Citizen TV news anchor Lulu Hassan has fuelled speculation about her political ambitions after attending a gathering of President William Ruto and broad-based government leaders at State House, Mombasa, on Thursday, November 12. The journalist, who has been linked to the Mvita parliamentary seat, was among those captured addressing a sitting convened by the President, further drawing attention to reports that she could enter the 2027 General Election.
The State House gathering brought together several prominent political figures, including ODM chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho, Suna East MP Junet Mohamed and former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa. Reports have suggested that the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has already settled on Lulu as its preferred candidate for Mvita, although the party has not publicly confirmed the claims.
Speculation about Lulu Hassan's political ambitions first emerged in May 2025 when T-shirts and reflector jackets bearing the slogan “Lulu Hassan, Mama Mvita” began circulating on social media. Her appearance at the State House meeting has now added to the attention surrounding her possible entry into elective politics. If she formally declares her interest in the constituency, Lulu is expected to face ODM incumbent Mohammed Soud Machele.
Lulu Hassan is among several journalists associated with Royal Media Services (RMS) who have been linked to political ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections. Reporter John Wanyama resigned from RMS in August to pursue the Malava Constituency parliamentary seat. Other RMS personalities with declared or reported political interests include Citizen TV anchor Trevor Ombija and Citizen TV reporter Stephen Letoo.
The growing number of journalists considering elective positions has also drawn the attention of the Media Council of Kenya (MCK). In May 2026, MCK Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo announced that the council was finalising guidelines governing media conduct and election reporting ahead of the 2027 General Election. The proposed rules are expected to provide for mandatory resignation timelines and the immediate suspension of on-air duties for journalists who declare political intentions.
The Media Council of Kenya indicated that it would conduct a validation workshop involving editorial leaders before gazetting the final guidelines within 30 days of the announcement. The council also directed newsrooms to maintain fair and balanced coverage of all candidates, warning against giving preferential treatment to former colleagues seeking elective positions.
Other journalists from Royal Media Services with reported political interests include Citizen TV anchor Willis Raburu, who is pursuing the Kisumu Senate seat, and Inooro TV’s Michael Njenga, who has declared his candidacy for Kabete Constituency. The increasing number of media personalities entering politics has raised questions about the role of journalists in elective positions and the potential impact on the media landscape.
Key points
- Lulu Hassan's attendance at the State House meeting has fuelled speculation about her possible entry into the 2027 General Election.
- The Media Council of Kenya is finalising guidelines to govern media conduct and election reporting ahead of the 2027 General Election.
- Several journalists from Royal Media Services have been linked to political ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections.
