It’s Our Time, Kenyan Celebrities Say As They Eye Political Seats
The lucrative allure of politics has proved to be too irresistible for a number of Kenyan celebrities who are now lining up in droves to try their luck in politics as 2022 general election approaches.
Following successful entry into politics by their colleagues at the ballot box in the 2017 general elections, many of the celebrities ranging from musicians, actors, media personalities and footballers are now throwing their hats into politics in order to represent their constituents.
Unlike in the past where celebrities would shun politics they are now coming out publicly to show interest dispelling sentiments that allege that career politicians were the only ones who were meant to participate in politics.
Worldwide a number of celebrities have immersed themselves in politics some being lucky to be elected while others not so lucky.
In 2016 for example Donald Trump shocked the world and the so called American “deep state’ when he defeated seasoned politician Hillary Clinton to become the 45 President of the United States of America. Trump famed for his reality TV series the Apprentice was later floored by Joe Biden in the 2020 Presidential election.
READ ALSO; https://ghettoradio.co.ke/it-is-wrong-for-cabinet-secretaries-to-be-involved-in-political-campaigns/
Liberian President George Manneh Oppong Weah is just one of the many leaders in Africa and beyond who jumped ship from the entertainment world to joining politics. He is actually the first African former footballer to become a head of state.
Ugandan pop star turned politician Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine has made much contributions in the shaping up of Ugandan politics since the day he announced interest in joining politics. Though he has had a rough time trying to streamline the Ugandan political landscape he has tried to hold to account the country’s leadership by condemning Human rights violations perpetuated by the state against its people especially opposition leaders.
“I went into leadership because I wanted to inspire other young people to take active part in the decision making in how their countries are governed,” he said this while being interviewed by Journalist John Allan Namu in May 2020.
Veteran musician Julius Owino aka Majimaji is among the many celebrities who have thrown their hats into the political ring in his quest to represent his people. Majimaji who is Ghetto Radios breakfast show presenter and Managing director has promised to deliver Seme constituency Parliamentary seat in the 2022 general elections his vision being to change leadership narrative and to serve the citizens diligently.
“Kenyans need leadership and not politics. What I want and for the generation behind is servant leadership,” Majimaji said while receiving his ODM life membership at Chungwa house on 21st July 2021.
Churchill show comedian MC Jasper Muthomi aka MC Jessy has also shown interest in joining politics in fact on 6th November 2021 he was endorsed by the Njuri Ncheke for the South Imenti MP seat.
“Over the weekend I was grateful and humbled by the elders who raised me when they honored and bestowed on me the blessings and responsibilities to lead South Imenti constituency as the Member of Parliament,” he said
He is seeking to dethrone incumbent MP Kathuri Murungi who has served two terms currently.
Felix Odiwour aka Jalango has also joined the long list of celebrities vying for political seats in the forthcoming general election. Jalango has announced intentions to vie for the Langata Parliamentary seat in order to unseat the current MP Nixon Korir who will be vying under the UDA ticket.
Seeing many Kenyan Celebrities streaming from entertainment sector to politics is welcomed. It actually shows that celebrities are tired of sitting pretty and instead take part in the transformation of the country’s politics which has for a long time been left to the political elite. Whether they will manage to convert their huge social media following into actual votes ….time will tell.
There are a few personalities who successfully ventured into politics, that is Charles Njagua aka Jaguar who is currently the Starehe Member of Parliament, Mohammed Ali who clinched the Nyali MP seat, John Kiarie aka KJ who won the Dagoreti South MP seat, former KBC anchor Naisula Lesuuda who is currently the Samburu west MP, actress Sabina Chege who is currently the Muranga county women Representative and actress Millicent Mugadi who is currently the MCA for Nairobi’s Ziwani ward.
Have the above Celebrities cum politicians performed according to expectation? That’s for you to ponder.
BY WEMA TOYWA #WEMA’STAKE
VIDEO OF THE DAY; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CSEdtp3Hb8
