Nairobi News

Several Kenyan celebrities are angling for elective positions in the coming general election, aping their Tanzanian counterparts who have crossed over to the political arena.

At least two musicians, a DJ and an actor have confirmed to the Nairobi News that they will hang their microphones and plunge into the murky waters of politics.

Gakau Kabochi, also known as DJ Kaytrix, has established himself as one of the top deejays in the country, and even started his own entertainment outfit, Spincycle Limited.

But he is now looking for a new challenge as the next Mikindani MCA in Mombasa come the next general election.

WORKING WITH YOUTHS

“I have been playing around with the idea for a while now, because Mikindani is my home, that is where my family is. I have been working with some of the youths there and helping them realize their potential in various arts,” he said.

Being a CEO and having more than 30 employees under him, the 26-year-old feels that time is ripe for him to take in more “leadership roles so as to help the youth who find themselves jobless and with no direction”.

“When I am in such a position I can to do more to the youth than what I am currently doing. And come what may, if I win or lose, it does not mean I will stop the projects that I have going on. My main agenda would be to clean up Mikindani, unemployment is also a major problem that I hope I will be able to sit down with the youth and share ideas on how they can create job opportunities by themselves,” he said.

Mombasa based entertainer Cannibal, who is a DJ-cum-musician, has also announced his bid to vie for the Mtopanga MCA seat in Kisauni after being encouraged by fans and friends.

DRUG ABUSE

He says he will help troubled youths in the area who have fallen prey to drug and substance abuse, a problem that for a long time has been synonymous to some parts of Kisauni.

“I have enjoyed a successful career as a rapper, but it has always been heartbreaking when I see the youth lose their sense of direction and fall into vices that in turn ruin their lives. Some of them are people I grew up with. I am vying for the Mtopanga seat because I am one of the youth and feel this is our time,” he said.

“These drug addicts are still our brothers and sisters and we have to bring them close to ourselves to help them overcome their addictions and give them business ideas that will help their livelihood. Women and the youth will be my first priority.”

Another hopeful is promoter, actor and businessman Eric Omtere commonly referred to as “the Virgin Boy”. He came into the limelight as an actor in Almasi, a programme ona local TV station, where played Jaffer, a lover boy.

He then moved on to event organizing, promoting clubs and opened a modeling agency.

Omtere now hopes to clinch the Tudor MCA seat in 2017.

CHARITY EVENTS

“It reaches a time when you see that what you have done is not enough because the demand is more. I have organized numerous charity events where I give to the less fortunate, and this I have done with my own money. But this is not enough, we need government bodies to help us and I know when I am in the forefront I can do more,” said Omtere.

Prince Adio, known for his hit Nikiwa Ndani is also vying for a political seat. He says his hiatus from the entertainment scene was because he started singing religious Islamic songs exclusively.

He is vying for the Frere Town MCA seat. During the 2013 elections, Prince Adio came second while attempting the same seat.

But are the four lured by the big money MCAs across the country have been getting?

For Kaytrix, “it is not about the money, I have already made the money.

Cannibal says: “I believe in the people of Mtopanga and the fact that they have faith in me shows my character.”

“I am here to help my fellow youths because I am on the ground and know the problems they are going through,” adds Prince Adio.

“When you reach the level that I am all that matters is helping the people under you,” concludes the Virgin Boy.