Medical Services Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga has sought to put to rest growing speculation about his political ambitions, saying he remains focused on his government role despite increasing calls from Kenyans for him to seek elective office.
Oluga said he had received considerable political pressure and interest from members of the public who believe he could succeed in politics, but insisted that his immediate priority was delivering on the responsibilities given to him as Principal Secretary for Medical Services.
Speaking on Radio Generation on Wednesday, Oluga said he was grateful for the confidence being shown in his leadership but maintained that he was not currently making plans to leave his government position for politics.
“For now, I am 100% focused on the work that I have,” Oluga said, acknowledging that there was “a lot of political push and pressure and interest by Kenyans”.
He attributed some of the attention to his growing visibility through public activities, including social events and medical camps, where he interacts directly with communities.
“Sometimes they give a bus to PCHP. Sometimes we do these social events where we do medical camps, and we are part of the decision makers,” he said.
Oluga said he valued the support from Kenyans who believe he has the qualities needed to hold a political position.
“I am very grateful for those Kenyans who think that I can make the cut for a political position,” he said.
Despite the growing calls, he repeated that his attention remained on his current assignment at the Ministry of Health.
“For now, I am fully, fully focused on my work,” he said.
Oluga also appeared to tie his performance in government to support for President William Ruto, telling Kenyans who approve of the work being done to renew the mandate of the administration that appointed him.
“When you see us doing a good job, please renew the license of the person who has given me that job,” he said.
“That person is called His Excellency Dr. William Samayo, and you renew that license by voting for him. That is the politics that I am in,” Oluga added.
The remarks come as Oluga's profile in the health sector continues to attract public attention, following a career that has combined medical practice, trade union leadership and public service.
Oluga trained as a doctor and earned his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from Moi University. He later obtained a master's degree in Internal Medicine from the University of Nairobi and undertook further training in health monitoring and evaluation as well as infectious diseases.
He rose to national attention in the health sector during his time as Secretary-General of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), where he represented doctors and pushed for reforms affecting healthcare workers and the wider health system.
He later joined Nairobi Metropolitan Services, where he was involved in the management of health services in the capital.
In April 2025, Oluga formally assumed the position of Principal Secretary for Medical Services. The Ministry of Health said at the time that his technical background and commitment to the health sector would be important in advancing reforms.
For now, however, Oluga says his focus remains on the work before him, even as political interest in his leadership continues to grow.