Lawyer and political activist Miguna Miguna has declared his intention to run for president in the 2027 general election, saying Kenya needs a fresh political path built around the daily struggles of ordinary citizens. His entry into the race adds to a growing field of early contenders and signals a campaign that challenges the current political order.
Speaking on Wednesday, Miguna made his position clear as he announced his bid for the country’s top seat. “I am going to vie for the presidency of Kenya in 2027,” Miguna proclaimed.
He described his campaign as more than a quest for power, saying it represents a shift in ideas and values meant to reshape the country’s future around the people.
Miguna said his leadership vision will focus on placing citizens at the centre of decision-making and national progress.
“The vision that identifies the interest of the people of Kenya as the core and the foundation of moving the country forward,” Miguna said, stressing that public needs will guide policy and governance under his leadership.
Miguna is known as a lawyer, author, and outspoken political voice who has long criticised Kenya’s leadership and political system. He trained and practised law in Kenya before rising to national attention through his activism and calls for political reform.
Over the years, he has spent long periods outside the country, mainly in Canada and the United States. His time abroad, he says, followed political persecution and threats linked to his strong opposition to different Kenyan governments.
A key feature of Miguna’s campaign is his open embrace of socialism as the guiding idea behind his leadership plan. “A vision that is built on integrity and is built on socialism,” he declared, marking a clear break from the economic approaches that have shaped Kenya’s politics for decades.
By tying socialism to integrity, Miguna is drawing attention to what he sees as deep-rooted problems in governance. He argues that a people-focused system grounded in honesty can address long-standing issues such as corruption and inequality.
His announcement comes as political activity begins to build ahead of the next election cycle. Miguna’s language and ideas are expected to spark debate, especially his call to rethink economic and political priorities through social justice and fairness.
Miguna also chose to announce his presidential bid from Canada, underlining his role as a diaspora figure who remains deeply involved in Kenya’s political debate. He presents his outlook as one shaped by both Kenyan realities and wider global experiences.
While questions remain about how his ideas would be turned into clear policies and how voters will respond, Miguna’s entry into the race sends a direct challenge to established politics. As the 2027 election draws closer, his campaign is likely to push Kenyans to reflect on leadership, integrity, and the direction of the country.
