Strategic Advisor Fred Okang’o has urged Kenyans to assess political leaders based on competence, suitability and integrity rather than personal attributes, popularity or appearance.
Speaking during an interview on Radio Generation on Monday, Okang’o cited Article 73 of the Constitution, which sets out the principles of leadership and integrity that should guide the exercise of public authority.
He said leadership should be treated as a public trust and that Kenyans have a responsibility to carefully evaluate candidates before entrusting them with public office.
“The issue about leadership is defined in our constitution. The guiding principle of selecting a leader is on the basis of suitability and competency; that is the law, Article 73,” Okang’o said.
He argued that characteristics such as physical appearance, stature, or personality should not determine whether an individual is suitable to lead.
“Any person, however handsome you are, however well-built you are, however tall you are, however bad tongue you have, you will not be elected or selected on that.”
Article 73 provides that authority assigned to a State officer is a public trust and must be exercised in a manner that respects the people, promotes confidence in the integrity of office and serves the public rather than giving an individual the power to rule.
It also lists personal integrity, competence and suitability as guiding principles of leadership and integrity, alongside free and fair elections.
The Constitution also establishes specific requirements for candidates seeking different elective positions.
Under Article 137, a presidential candidate must be a Kenyan citizen by birth, be qualified to stand for election as a Member of Parliament, and be nominated by a political party or run as an independent candidate. Presidential candidates must also secure support from at least 2,000 voters in a majority of counties.
For Parliament, Article 99 requires candidates to be registered voters, satisfy applicable educational, moral and ethical requirements and either be nominated by a political party or meet the threshold for independent candidates. An individual can be disqualified for reasons including certain public offices held, bankruptcy, imprisonment or violation of Chapter Six on leadership and integrity.
At the county level, Article 177 provides for members of county assemblies to be elected by registered voters in wards, while Article 180 provides for the direct election of governors by registered voters in each county. A governor must meet the eligibility requirements for election as a county assembly member.
The Constitution further requires Kenya's electoral system to uphold universal suffrage, equality of the vote, fair representation and free and fair elections conducted without violence, intimidation, improper influence or corruption.
Okang’o linked these constitutional provisions to the 2027 General Election, arguing that voters should look beyond political popularity when deciding who should occupy public office.
He maintained that the responsibility ultimately rests with Kenyans to determine whether candidates possess the capacity and qualities required to serve.
“But the law demands from the people of Kenya to select you on your suitability and competency.”
The strategic advisor further cited President William Ruto’s election as an example, arguing that Ruto demonstrated the suitability and competence that voters considered when electing him.
“That is the reason why today we have President Ruto. He demonstrated that he was suitable and competent.”
His remarks come as political parties and prospective candidates position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election, putting renewed focus on the qualifications, integrity and leadership record of those seeking elective office.
Okang’o maintained that voters should therefore evaluate candidates on their ability to perform the responsibilities of public office and uphold constitutional values, rather than allowing physical characteristics, personality or political popularity to become the primary basis for choosing leaders.