Gideon Moi Picks 27-Yr-Old Journalist To Lead KANU's Media Team

Kenya African National Union (KANU) chairman, Gideon Moi, has appointed Manasse Nyainda to lead the party's media team.

In a statement on Friday, June 9, Moi named Nyainda to lead KANU's media team as its Director of Communications.

He will be in charge of offering technical communication support and advice to the party and the National Chairman.

"I have today appointed Mr Manasse Nyainda as the Director of Communication - KANU. The 27-year-old is a versatile journalist and public relations practitioner with expertise in strategic communication, mainstream and digital media operations," Gideon Moi announced.

Portrait of Manasse Nyainda, appointed as KANU's new Director of Communications. /GIDEON MOI

Further to his oversight role in the media sector at the party, Nyainda will be expected to provide timely communication of party updates aimed at increasing its public profile.

"Mr Nyainda has been tasked with offering technical communication support and advisory to the Party and the National Chairman through timely and effective communication of policies, programs, and activities aimed at enhancing their public profiles. I congratulate him on this well-deserved appointment," the former Baringo Senator praised.

Viral Tea did spot checks on his Facebook profile, where he boasts of a significant following of more than 9,100.

He marked his 27th birthday on Tuesday, May 23 by sharing a lengthy post offering his followers his valuable pieces of advice regarding navigating life today, especially as an individual in his 20s.

"We all come to this bustling city with only one of these two options at hand: Go Hard or Go Home. In our quest to go hard, we often bear unrelenting, burgeoning ambitions, lofty aspirations, and grandiose prayers. 

"That everything remaining constant, may we turn out to be business magnates, grounded professionals, and consummate political leaders with top-of-the-range cars, a home in a posh neighbourhood like Karen or Runda, and huge disposable income as a recompense for our sweat and toil," read the post in part.

On April 30, 2019, Nyainda penned an opinion article published in the Daily Nation which criticised the previous government's handling of the Huduma Namba project, among several opinion pieces penned across different timelines while being a political commentator.

He has also been part and parcel of Moi's communication team leading up to the recent appointment, which is now evident of how politicians are tapping into young talent to spearhead vital operations, including the media.

In comparison, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), led by President William Ruto on Friday, May 5 went for experience and notable names, appointing former Capital FM journalist Rob Jillo as its new Party Director of Communication.

"With Mr Jillo's leadership, we are confident that our Party's communication strategy will continue to thrive and evolve in the Democrátic space," the party stated in part.