University student opts for donkey as transport during campaign for leadership role over high fuel costs

When it comes to holding campaigns of any nature – be it for political office at the national level or the student organization level, stunts sometimes make one stand out and are part of the strategy to attract crowds, and hopefully voters to an aspirant’s side.

At Moi university, students were treated to a spectacle after one of the aspiring student leaders arrived on donkeys, together with 12 of his supporters for the launch of his manifesto. 

John Osiko, a third year student aspiring for a delegate position, caused a scene during his arrival for the ‘Kamkunji’ – the term for the meetings held where aspiring student leaders meet fellow students and seek votes by sharing their vision.  

Osiko said he opted to ride on a donkey similar to how humbly Jesus did upon his entry to Jerusalem for the Passover feast, because unlike his opponents who were driving around in big cars, he was unable to afford to hire and fuel one.

“My opponents already hired cars and I did not have money to hire the same cars, so my campaign team advised me to go for a donkey. It was a strategy and also I wanted to cut costs. I didn’t have to hire the donkeys, I just requested for them from a villager,” he said.