Movers and shakers: The people to watch in Kenyan space in 2026

At the same time, the governance front witnessed sustained youth-led protests and growing calls for accountability, particularly from younger Kenyans, amid heightened tensions over human rights violations and economic pressures.

The agitation yielded some positive outcomes, including the reconstitution of the electoral commission, renewed commitments to public service reforms by President William Ruto and the emergence of the so-called “Singapore dream”.

Against this topsy-turvy backdrop, these are the people to watch in 2026 — a pivotal year ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Beyond politics, there are key people to watch in governance, sports and entertainment, among other key areas.

Politics

President William Ruto

The President has laid out a grand vision that he says will propel Kenya to First World status. However, his ambitious plan, which requires Sh5 trillion in funding, is already facing headwinds, including a court order that has temporarily halted the creation of the proposed National Infrastructure Fund.

He is also racing against time to deliver on key promises made to “hustlers” during his campaign. Implementation of the affordable housing programme, universal healthcare and job creation for unemployed youth remain major concerns. Dr Ruto will also confront possible fallout within his United Democratic Alliance (UDA), which is set to hold grassroots elections on January 10.

The polls are expected to offer insights into ongoing political realignments and strengthen party structures ahead of his 2027 re-election bid.

The Head of State is further banking on his broad-based government arrangement with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to penetrate in Nyanza, Coast and Western regions — a strategy seen as critical should he lose support in Mt Kenya, which swept him to power in 2022.

However, he risks inheriting a divided ODM as internal factions begin to emerge.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki

Deputy President Kindiki enters the year buoyed by the November 27 mini-polls, where he delivered the Mbeere North parliamentary seat for UDA. However, he still faces the risk of being dropped as President Ruto’s running mate in 2027, if his partnership fails to guarantee significant numbers.

ODM has already laid claim to the seat as a condition for backing Dr Ruto’s re-election. Prof Kindiki’s performance in the coming February mini-polls in Muminji and Evurore wards in Embu county will be crucial to his standing within UDA. Though local, the races are symbolic of his political influence in the region.

He is also locked in a supremacy battle with his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua, who has launched an aggressive onslaught against the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Uhuru Kenyatta

Despite retiring in 2022 after serving two terms, former President Uhuru Kenyatta remains politically active behind the scenes. He successfully thwarted an attempted takeover of the Jubilee Party, consolidating control ahead of the 2027 election.

Jubilee has since named former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i as its deputy party leader and presidential candidate. Mr Kenyatta has been drawn into ODM’s internal wrangles amid claims that he is backing a faction opposed to the broad-based government.

Read: How Uhuru, Gachagua rift has sparked new Kalonzo, Matiang’i row

Rigathi Gachagua

After forming the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), Mr Gachagua is intensifying efforts to popularise the outfit, particularly in Mt Kenya, with the aim of cutting into President Ruto’s support. He is also confronting a resurgent Jubilee Party in his bid to dominate the region’s politics and remains a key figure within the United Opposition, shaping its presidential ticket.

However, having been impeached, Mr Gachagua is barred from holding public office unless he successfully overturns the decision in court. His divisive pronouncements, including calls to zone Nairobi politically, could unsettle an opposition that needs unity to challenge Dr Ruto.

Read: Truth or trouble? The Rigathi Gachagua question in opposition unity test

Oburu Oginga

Installed as ODM party leader following the death of his brother Raila, Dr Oginga wields significant influence over the party’s direction ahead of 2027. He has said he will announce ODM’s position on President Ruto’s re-election by June 2026.

Read: Deputy President or nothing: Oburu Oginga’s 2027 ODM bombshell to Ruto

The party is split with one faction backing Dr Ruto and another opposed. Figures such as Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino oppose the broad-based government. Dr Oginga also faces resistance within ODM over his succession, with calls including from his niece Winnie Odinga for a National Delegates Convention to elect new party officials.

Kalonzo Musyoka

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka is emerging as the United Opposition’s preferred presidential candidate. His solid Ukambani base and long political experience give him an edge. Having contested the presidency in 2007 and sacrificed his ambitions in 2013, 2017 and 2022 to back Odinga, Mr Musyoka has said he will not step aside again.

Fred Matiang’i

Fronted by Jubilee as its 2027 presidential candidate, Dr Matiang’i is also a key figure in the United Opposition, with discussions of a possible ticket alongside Mr Musyoka—or breaking away to form a different faction of the opposition.

Read: Matiang'i: I was considered for Uhuru’s successor role, but I wasn’t interested 

Okiya Omtatah

The Busia Senator remains a thorn in the government’s side, challenging key government agenda and policies, including the National Infrastructure Fund and the Kenya–US health cooperation deal in court. He is also expected to declare if he will be on the ballot in 2027 after an exploratory period. Together with former Chief Justice David Maraga, some consider their presidential aspirations as a breath of fresh air.

Winnie Odinga

Following her father’s death, Winnie has stepped into the national spotlight, stirring debate within ODM by demanding a National Delegates Conference and calling for the party to field a presidential candidate in 2027 — positions that put her at odds with party elders.

Martha Karua

A principal in the United Opposition, Ms Karua has declared her presidential ambitions and rebranded Narc-Kenya into the People’s Liberation Party. She is positioning the party as a progressive, people-centred movement anchored on unity, transparency and accountability.

Ndindi Nyoro

The Kiharu MP has emerged as a vocal critic of the government after falling out with President Ruto. While largely avoiding overt politics, he has increasingly weighed in on governance issues, leaving many watching his next political move. Recently, however, he touched on politics, addressing the impeachment of Mr Gachagua, and now Kenyans expect him to come clear on his political alignment.

Read: Ndindi Nyoro joins ‘Wantam’, says UDA won 2022 using “silly politics”

Gen Zs

The youthful Kenyans, whose civic engagement came out forcefully in pro-reforms protests in June 2024 and this year, are expected to remain an influential political voice. Declaring they are leaderless, partyless and tribeless, their next move will be closely watched as political players seek to court them, given their numbers.

Read: Game of numbers: How Gen Zs could upset ethnic voting blocs in 2027

Governance

Martha Koome

Attention will focus on Chief Justice Koome as the Judiciary handles high-stakes cases, including former DP Gachagua’s 2024 impeachment appeal and legal issues touching on the Kenya Kwanza administration agenda. As chair of the Judicial Service Commission, Ms Koome will also oversee the recruitment of a Supreme Court judge to replace the late Mohammed Ibrahim.

Erastus Ethekon

The IEBC chairperson will face scrutiny as he leads the commission through February by-elections, another test of readiness for the 2027 polls following a troubled showing in November’s mini-polls. Boundary delimitation and renewed calls for a referendum will further test his leadership as he leads preparations for the crucial 2027 elections.

John Mbadi

The Treasury Cabinet Secretary (CS) will be under intense pressure as Kenya grapples with high debt, now at over Sh12 trillion, a shrinking fiscal space and rising living costs. Managing public expectations, fixing school capitation delays, county funding disbursements and tax reforms will define his year as he also prepares for the Budget in the election year.

Kipchumba Murkomen

Interior CS Murkomen faces a heavy docket amid insecurity, police reform demands and human rights concerns. Public trust in the police remains low following the 2024 protests during which his “shoot-to-kill” remarks drew sharp criticism. Tackling gangs, illegal firearms, gender-based violence and election-related insecurity will test his leadership.

Douglas Kanja

The Inspector-General of Police faces pressure to restore trust in a service plagued by human rights concerns, corruption allegations and political interference.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula

The Speaker has faced criticism over alleged partisanship, particularly rulings that favoured the Kenya Kwanza alliance. He will preside over a divided House amid shifting alliances ahead of the 2027 polls, with key Bills expected.

Sports

The new year 2026 promises to be action-packed for Kenyan athletes, coaches, teams and federations. Here is a look at what lies ahead for some of Kenya’s top athletes and teams.

Ferdinand Omanyala

The 100m Africa record holder and Commonwealth Games 100m champion had a year to forget. “ I look forward to the 2026 season, where I hope to regain my groove from the 2023 season,” he says.

He will open his season at the World Indoor Tour in Europe in January, compete in at least five Diamond League races, the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest, Hungary, and make a third appearance at the World Athletics Indoor Championships scheduled for March 20-22 in Poland.

Kevin Wambua and George Ooro

World Rugby confirmed Nairobi as one of the host cities for the Division II series Sevens tournament, scheduled for February 14-15, 2026, at the Nyayo National Stadium. Coach Kevin Wambua and captain George Ooro will be under pressure as the popular team seeks promotion to the top division. It will be the same case for Kenya Lioness under head coach Simon Odongo and senior players Sheila Chajira and Grace Okulu.

Beatrice Chebet

The 10,000m and 5,000m World Record holder will be chasing a historic third consecutive title at the World Cross-country Championships when she competes in Tallahassee, Florida, US on January 10, 2026. The 25-year-old will be aiming to become the third female athlete in history to win three consecutive titles. She will be hoping to retain her Commonwealth Games 5,000m title during the Games scheduled for July 23 to August 2 in Glasgow, Scotland.

Benni McCarthy

With Kenya having a relatively light schedule next year, the South African football legend shifts his focus to the preparation for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations finals. Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania earned automatic qualifications to the tournament by virtue of being the host nations.

“Now the country is united behind the national team. Come 2027, you don’t just host the tournament and participate, but you are actually setting a strong claim for getting to the quarterfinals, semifinals, or even getting to a final. So I have two years now to build a really proper, strong Kenyan national team,” McCarthy said.

Beldine Odemba

The Harambee Starlets coach faces an uphill task in preparing and leading the Kenya national women’s senior football team at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) finals scheduled for March 17 to April 3 in Morocco. Kenya will be making their second appearance in the continental showpiece having debuted in 2016 in Cameroon.

"We want to build the fan base. We are requesting a home game against South Africa before Wafcon to familiarise fans with the team,” Ms Odemba said.

Meanwhile, Kenya’s Under-20 national women’s football team, Rising Starlets, will face Tanzania in the third round of the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers in February next year.

Mike Rabar

The 2024 Chan and 2027 Afcon Local Organising Committee Chairman has his work cut out next year as preparations for the 2027 continental football showcase intensify.

Entertainment

With major events and launches expected, these are some of the names and creative industry moments worth keeping an eye on as the new year unfolds.

Bien

After a successful solo career in 2025, Sauti Sol’s vocalist Bien-Aimé Baraza will next year become the first Kenyan solo artiste to perform at the globally revered Afro Nation Festival in Portugal, an event that draws over 50,000 music lovers per edition.

Sofiya Nzau

Singer-songwriter Sofiya Nzau’s sensational rise is expected to continue in 2026. For the better part of 2025, she spent most of her time performing in Europe. She is also the most-watched female Kenyan artist on YouTube in 2025, with 147 million views.

For 2026, she will be making a significant amount of money, with one breakthrough being her inclusion in the official soundtrack for the EA Sports FC 2026 video game.

Kalasha awards

Having failed to take off in 2025, for the first time in 13 years, since its inception, the Kalasha Awards, the country’s most prestigious film and television celebration awards, will return in March 2026.

Read also: Presidential contenders: What we are offering Kenyans

Ruto, Gachagua face off in scramble for Mt Kenya votes

Third force politics: Is Kenya Moja the next big thing or nonstarter in 2027 coalitions race?

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By Moses Nyamori, Collins Omulo Ayumba Ayodi, Victor Otieno, Sinda Matiko