From entertainment to the ballot box: Top Kenyan celebrities joining politics in 2022

Famous musicians, media personalities and public figures are now throwing their hats into the proverbial ring to prove their might and represent their people.

There is a high number of Kenyan household names that are priming up for a run in next year’s elections. Citizen Digital looks at a few of them:

1. FRASHA & GABU

Musicians Frasha and Gabu, of the popular boy group P-Unit, announced that they would be running for Members of County Assembly.

Frasha, real name Francis Amisi, is vying for the Athi River MCA seat, again after seeking it in 2017 and failing to clinch it.

Gabu, real name Gabriel Kagundu, is for the first time vying for Woodley - Kenyatta Golf Course MCA.

2. JALANG’O

Radio presenter Felix Odiwour, popularly known as Jalang’o, recently joined the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party as a life member. 

The comedian and popular MC declared that he will be on the ballot box in 2022, vying for the Lang’ata Member of Parliament seat.

3. MWANAISHA CHIDZUGA

Media personality and former news anchor Mwanaisha Chidzuga's family has a strong political background with her late mother Zainab Chidzuga having served as Woman Represantative for Kwale County.

Following her mother's demise, Chidzuga's family endorsed her to go for the Matuga Parliamentary seat in the 2022 general elections.

4. PREZZO

Rapper and singer Jackson Ngechu Makini, better known by his stage name CMB Prezzo, previously announced that he would be a new entrant into Kenya’s political scene in 2022.

The musician joined politics in 2019 with the aim of contesting for Kibra parliamentary seat on a Wiper party ticket.

5. DNG

Entertainer Davidson Ngibuini alias DNG will be battling it out with Gabu for the Woodley – Kenyatta Golf Course Member Of County Assembly seat.

He will however run under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party ticket.

6. TONY KWALANDA

Sports anchor Tony Kwalanda has affirmed that he is eyeing Member Of County Assembly seat in Manda Shivanga Ward in Malava Constituency, Kakamega County.

7. XTIAN DELA

Blogger Arthur Mandela, popularly known as Xtian Dela, declared his bid for the Westlands constituency Parliamentary seat.

He is set to go head-to-head with Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Nelson Havi.

The two are seeking to succeed incumbent Tim Wanyonyi who has declared his intention to vie for the Nairobi gubernatorial seat.

8. OJ 

Dennis Mugo, popularly known as OJ after the role he played on Citizen TV show Tahidi High, will be vying for the MCA seat for Ruguru Ngandori Ward in Embu on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket, which is associated with Deputy President William Ruto.