Editor's Review

The group aims at exploiting their popularity and a fanatical following they have built over the years to ascend to leadership.

With only a few months to 2022 General Elections, a section of Kenyans from all walks of life across the country has already thrown their hats into the ring.

From the incumbents to aspiring leaders drawn from business, media and private sectors, the battle lines have seemingly been drawn on the sand.

But even as politicians wait with bated breathe for the curtains to be officially raised for campaign dates, Kenyans are hitherto spoilt of choices on who to elect for the six elective seats.

{Raila Odinga at a campaign rally. Image: Courtesy}

Among the various groups of people who will be seeking elective seats in the 2022 polls is a class of popular influencers in the country.

This is a group of people that joins politics having made their names on the social scenes through their talents, nature of their work and the kind of lifestyle they live.

The group aims at exploiting their popularity and a fanatical following they have built over the years to ascend to political leadership.

With their popularity, it is no doubt that they stand a huge chance against their opponents who will have to struggle to make themselves known to the electorates before starting to sell their agenda.

Whether their popularity will enable them to sail through the murky waters of politics is a duty that rests upon voters.

Here are influencers who are set to vie for elective seats in 2022:

Felix Odiwuor

{RComedian Jalang'o to vie for Lang'ata seat in 2022. Image: Courtesy}

Popularly known as Jalang'o, he is one of the most sought influencers in Kenya who has earned the endorsement of several brands in the country.

Despite being good at marketing and acting, his acumen on the radio also makes him one of the highest-paid personalities in the media industry.

But with all these accolades to his name, Jalang'o has his eyes set on Lang'ata Parliamentary seat. He aims to oust the incumbent MP Nixon Korir.

Jasper Muthomi

{MC Jessie to vie for South Imenti Parliamentary seat. Image: Courtesy}

The Churchill show comedian who is commonly known as MC Jessie is a household name in Kenya.

He runs a YouTube show and is one of the celebrated masters of ceremonies in the country.

MC Jessie is undeniably a talented actor in the comic industry. But for now, he scripting his political play in a bid to win the South Imenti parliamentary seat.

Robert Alai

{Robert Alai to vie for Nyando parliamentary seat. Image: Courtesy}

Alai commands a huge following on social media. He is loved and hated in equal measure thanks to his penchant for never mincing his words.

As a blogger who has played a crucial role in shaping the opinion of the masses over topical issues, big brands associate themselves with Alai.

Having worked for brands and politicians for years, Alai will in 2022 vie for the Nyando parliamentary seat.

Alex Mwakideu

{Alex Mwakideu to vie for an elective seat in Taita Taveta county. Image: Courtesy}

Celebrated as one of the best Swahili radio presenters in the country, Mwakideu has grown in leaps and bounds in nearly all aspects of his life.

He has also signed endorsements for various products which he has marketed on his social media handles.

Mwakideu has also established several businesses which underwrite her earnings from his radio job.

Though he has not declared which seat, Mwakideu has said he must be on the ballot in 2022. He will vie for an elective seat in Taita Taveta County.

Stephen Kasolo

{Kasolo to vie for an MCA seat in Kitui County. Image: Courtesy}

Sot in the limelight through his song Kitole, Kasolo is a popular figure not only in the gospel industry but also in the social scenes.

He is also celebrated for producing several other hits and mentoring a young generation of singers.

In the 2022 polls, Kasolo has thrown the hat on the ring for the Mulango Ward seat in Kitui County.

Arthur Mandela

{Xtian Dela has declared interest in Westlands parliamentary seat. Image: Courtesy}

Also known as Xtian Dela, the former radio personality is famed for pushing products and hashtags on social media.

Despite several controversies surrounding his brand, Dela commands a huge following.

A few months ago, he announced that he will be vying for Westlands parliamentary seat.