Roots Party leader George Wajackoyah has confirmed that he will seek the presidency in the 2027 General Election, arguing that his grassroots mobilization will ensure he secures a spot on the ballot.
Speaking during an interview on K24 TV on Monday, Wajackoyah said he remained steadfast in his bid even though he has not featured prominently in opinion polls. “I’m on the ballot. I’m running for president,” he said.
Wajackoyah, who contested the presidency in the 2022 General Election, said he has adjusted his approach since then. He said he has since concentrated on strengthening his support at the grassroots level and believes he can mobilize voters without relying on polling data.
“The fear has been with the polls; those polls that run around have never mentioned my name, but I’m not campaigning from them. I’m campaigning within the population and the people of the Republic of Kenya,” he said.
Wajackoyah also dismissed claims that he needed to join emerging opposition alliances or joint political formations to boost his 2027 bid.
He said the Roots Party remains a registered political party with its own presidential candidate, adding that he has not been approached to join the United Alternative Government, an umbrella grouping several leaders who have expressed interest in the 2027 presidential race.
“I have not been approached,” he said when asked whether he was considering working with the group.
Wajackoyah said he is currently focused on mobilizing support from the grassroots. He added that he has intentionally scaled back his presence on social media as he prioritizes direct engagement with voters.
“I am campaigning; I’m on the ground, and that’s why I’ve even gone off Facebook,” he said.
He also urged other presidential hopefuls to engage him in public, arguing that appearing alongside rival candidates would show the strength of his support.
“My opponents are very afraid to invite me in their congregations,” he said, calling on them to allow him to campaign alongside them.
Wajackoyah at the same time addressed claims that former President Uhuru Kenyatta is bankrolling the opposition’s political activities ahead of 2027. He wondered why Uhuru was being criticized, saying it is within his right to participate in politics even as a retired president.
“Those who are condemning Uhuru, are they not also financing? Uhuru is retired. Uhuru has not come out to say I’m running for president, but he also has a right to participate in politics in whichever way,” Wajackoyah said.
The presidential aspirant argued that allegations of political financing should be dealt with in accordance with the law and not through public persecution.
“If Uhuru has committed mayhem or has broken the law, take him to court,” he stated.
Wajackoyah further challenged Uhuru’s critics to account for their own political funding. “Let us not just look at one side of the sword. Let’s look at both sides,” he said.
