Millie Odhiambo, the Suba North MP and National Assembly Minority Whip, has ignited a new wave of political discussion by announcing her intention to run for the presidency in 2032. This declaration suggests a shift in focus from President William Ruto’s anticipated bid for re-election in 2027.
During National Assembly proceedings on Thursday, August 13, 2026, the ODM legislator delivered her announcement with a blend of humor and seriousness. “I leave them to fight over now; that is their problem. But in 2032, I’m the president,” Odhiambo confidently stated to the House.
Her remarks emerge at a pivotal moment when Kenya’s political landscape is increasingly shaped by succession strategies. President Ruto is currently pursuing re-election in 2027, and if successful, the 2032 election will mark the next open presidential race.
Odhiambo positions herself among the first politicians to publicly engage in the conversation surrounding leadership after Ruto, while many others remain focused on the upcoming 2027 elections. The ongoing succession debate has already sparked significant maneuvering within both government and opposition factions.
Supporters of President Ruto are rallying around his agenda for a second term, while opposition leaders are strategically positioning themselves for the next electoral cycle and potential future realignments.
While Odhiambo did not clarify whether her statement was a serious declaration of presidential ambition or a light-hearted comment, it certainly highlights the growing discourse around Kenya’s long-term leadership transition, even before the 2027 campaign formally gains momentum.
If President Ruto secures a second and final constitutional term, the 2032 election is poised to present a highly competitive landscape, featuring candidates from both the ruling coalition and the opposition. Odhiambo’s early declaration signals her readiness to enter what could become one of the most dynamic succession races in the country’s history.
