Citizen TV journalist Stephen Letoo has officially taken the political plunge, ending months of speculation over his future in journalism by declaring his bid for the Kilgoris parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election.
Letoo made his announcement at Oldanyati Grounds in Narok County, where he was received by a large crowd and a host of political figures.
His dramatic arrival by helicopter added another layer of spectacle to an event that effectively marked his transition from covering politics to becoming a political player himself.
The veteran journalist confirmed that he will seek the seat on an ODM ticket, placing him in a potentially interesting contest for a constituency currently represented by Julius Sunkuli.
Parliament’s records list Sunkuli as the sitting Kilgoris MP.
Letoo’s emotional message to Kilgoris
Following the declaration, Letoo took to social media to appreciate residents who turned up for the occasion.
“Thank you Oldanyati and the entire Kilgoris. Your Love, Your warmth is Incredible…!” Letoo wrote.
The message reflected the significance he attached to the reception, particularly after spending years building a public profile through journalism and community activities.
His latest move also gives fresh meaning to another message he posted in July when he wrote:
“Done and Dusted…! Team United ✅✅✅✅…Tukutane Uwanjani…!”
At the time, the post triggered speculation about the political camp he intended to join.
With his ODM nomination now confirmed, the earlier message appears to have been part of a broader political mobilisation around his anticipated bid.
From political reporter to politician
Letoo’s entry into elective politics is hardly an overnight development.
For years, the journalist has been deeply involved in political reporting, regularly appearing on television to analyse and cover the country’s most consequential political events.
In a 2024 interview, Letoo acknowledged that his frequent interaction with politicians naturally generated speculation about his own political ambitions.
He explained that if he ever pursued politics, his ambitions would be centred around Kilgoris or Narok County, rather than the national presidency.
At the time, he notably said he would not reject the opportunity if circumstances eventually presented it.
“Siku Moja Mungu akinitemea mate aseme sasa wewe Letoo ndio mbunge wa Kilgoris…”
His declaration at Oldanyati now shows that the possibility he spoke about previously has become a reality.
Letoo had been preparing the ground
Even before making his candidacy official, Letoo had increasingly positioned himself as a prominent community figure in Kilgoris.
In January 2026, he hosted thousands of young Maasai morans at his Kilgoris home during a New Year’s celebration.
The gathering was not simply a party, as Letoo used the occasion to encourage young people to focus on education, avoid drug abuse and support one another.
His community presence has also been visible through major personal events.
In 2023, Letoo hosted a thanksgiving and housewarming ceremony at Enooretet Village in Kilgoris, an event attended by political leaders, family members, friends and media colleagues.
He famously dubbed the occasion “Letoo Day” and said he had slaughtered five bulls for the celebration.
He has also established a substantial home in Kilgoris, with reports indicating that he invested millions of shillings in the property while also engaging in farming and other income-generating activities.
These activities have helped strengthen his connection with the constituency beyond his identity as a television journalist.
Political pressure builds in Kilgoris
Letoo’s declaration comes at a time when the 2027 political race is already beginning to take shape across Kenya.
Earlier in 2026, reports indicated that Letoo had emerged prominently in opinion polling around the Kilgoris parliamentary contest.
An analysis published in February noted that he had topped a Politrack Africa survey, although he had not yet formally declared his candidacy at the time.
His eventual decision to run therefore does not come as a complete surprise.
The contest could also become particularly interesting because Letoo is seeking to unseat a sitting MP with a long political history.
Sunkuli is a veteran politician who has previously represented Kilgoris and returned to Parliament in 2022.
ODM connection adds another dimension
Letoo’s decision to fly the ODM flag is also significant given his long-standing association with the party and its former leader, the late Raila Odinga.
His public support for ODM has been visible for years, including his coverage of major party events.
In November 2025, for example, Letoo became part of a viral moment while covering ODM’s 20th anniversary celebrations in Mombasa after supporters and fans repeatedly interrupted him as he attempted to deliver his report.
His July “Team United” post subsequently fuelled further speculation that he was moving towards an opposition-aligned political formation.
Now, with his formal declaration, the political journey is no longer speculation.
Another journalist swaps microphone for politics
Letoo’s move comes as several Kenyan journalists increasingly express interest in elective politics ahead of the 2027 elections.
Fellow Citizen TV journalist Trevor Ombija is pursuing the Nyakach parliamentary seat, while other Royal Media Services journalists have also been linked to political ambitions.
The growing trend has sparked discussions about the influence media personalities can wield when they move from reporting political events to directly seeking elective office.
For Letoo, however, the Kilgoris contest is particularly personal because it represents a return to his home political base.
His message to supporters after the declaration captured the mood:
“Your Love, Your warmth is Incredible…!”
But the warmth of a declaration rally will eventually have to translate into votes.
With 2027 approaching, Letoo now faces the more difficult task of converting his popularity, media experience and community networks into a campaign capable of defeating established political machinery.
For now, the journalist who spent years asking politicians the tough questions has stepped onto the other side of the microphone and Kilgoris will be watching closely.
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