From the newsroom to the ballot: Journalists line up for 2027

Kenya’s newsrooms could lose several familiar faces as journalists and media personalities increasingly signal plans to join the 2027 political race.

Former Citizen TV journalist John Wanyama is among the latest to make the jump, quitting journalism as he prepares to contest the Malava parliamentary seat in Kakamega County.

Veteran journalist Tony Gachoka is eyeing the Nairobi gubernatorial race, while former television journalist Salim Swaleh has declared interest in the Gilgil parliamentary seat.

Citizen TV’s Trevor Ombija has also emerged as a political aspirant, with his sights reportedly set on Nyakach Constituency in Kisumu County.

Meanwhile, Michael Njenga is positioning himself for the Kabete parliamentary seat, while Tina Ogal has been linked to the Embakasi East race.

Other media figures including Stephen Letoo and Alex Mwakideu are also being mentioned in political circles as potential candidates.

The emerging trend signals another chapter in Kenya’s long history of journalists crossing from the newsroom to politics.

For some, the transition offers an opportunity to directly influence policy and development after years of reporting on national affairs. For others, it represents a new political career built on public recognition and years of engagement with audiences.

The growing interest comes as political parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections, with several media professionals increasingly moving from newsrooms into political activism and public leadership.

The move is not entirely new in Kenya, where journalists have previously transitioned into elective politics, citing their experience in public communication, community engagement and understanding of national issues.

The Media Council of Kenya has previously noted that journalists, like other citizens, have a constitutional right to participate in politics, although those seeking elective office must observe the applicable electoral and professional requirements.

With the 2027 political contest gradually taking shape, the newsroom could once again prove to be an important recruitment ground for Kenya’s political class.

But as the 2027 contest gathers momentum, the key question will be whether these media personalities can convert name recognition and newsroom experience into votes.