How Celebrities Performed In 2022 Elections

As election results continue to be streamed in following the Tuesday, August 9, 2022, general elections, several constituencies and wards have announced their winners, with governors and ultimately presidential candidates expected to follow.

Some of the candidates just happen to be known figures in the showbiz scene. These are musicians, media personalities and film personalities among others who have ditched their fields for politics or have close individuals that have been involved in politics- one way or another.

The first full day of vote counting and declaration has seen it turn into a Wild Wednesday, with some personalities declared winners, others announced as winners and others conceding defeat even before the official declaration of results.

Viral Tea takes a look at how celebrity figures have faired in the elections, as well as those with close people in their lives who have faired in the elections.

Jalang'o at his former Kiss FM studios. /STANDARD DIGITAL

Felix Odiwuor, alias Jalang'o, is on his way to Parliament after he won the Lang'ata parliamentary race. His opponent, Nixon Korir, had announced that he conceded defeat to the comedian cum former Kiss FM show host.

"I sincerely thank you for according me an opportunity to be your Member of Parliament for the last 5 years. Its been a great opportunity that gave me an avenue to contribute to our nation-building and service to the people," the former aide to Deputy President William Ruto stated. 

Nairobi controversial blogger, Robert Alai, was also over the moon after he emerged victorious in the Kileleshwa ward race. He will sit in the Nairobi County Assembly, having won under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), one of the branches of the Azimio la Umoja coalition.

Gospel musician Eko Dydda took to social media to celebrate after winning the Mathare North ward MCA seat, another addition to the county assembly.

Gospel musician Eko Dydda. /THE STAR

However, ex-radio show host Njambi Koikai was unlucky in her bid for the Dagoretti South parliamentary seat, having announced that she conceded. She was vying as an independent candidate and had launched her bid upon returning to Kenya following her endometriosis treatment.

"To the people of Dagoretti South and all my supporters, we have fought the good fight, we finished the race, and we kept the faith. I wish to congratulate the winner on their election and I wish them all in advancing the hopes of our constituents in Dagoretti South," she stated.

Another entertainer, comedian Jasper Muthomi aka MC Jessy, conceded defeat in the South Imenti Parliamentary race.

"To the People of South Imenti Constituency, I sincerely thank you so much for the time we have interacted during our campaign time. It has been a great journey. A journey of amazing political adventure. A journey of daring hearts. We will continue to engage as we look forward to Next time. God willing," the former Churchill show comedian shared.

Former KBC presenter, Bonnie Musambi, announced that he conceded defeat in his bid for the Kitui Central Member of Parliament seat, though he claimed that there was rigging involved in the tallying exercise.

"My political journey begins officially! Despite open and daylight massive rigging in Kitui county including Kitui Central constituency, I choose not to dispute Member of National Assembly results. I, therefore, take this opportunity to congratulate my competitor the MP-elect Hon. Dr Makali Mulu," he stated.

Former KBC presenter, Bonnie Musambi. /FILE

Kevin Kioko, alias Bahati, is yet to know his fate in the Mathare parliamentary seat, alongside Tony Kwalanda, who was seeking the Member of the County Assembly (MCA) for Manda Shivanga Ward. Kwalanda was a Switch TV sports anchor and was well known for dating his colleague, Joyce Maina.

Self-proclaimed number one hype man Davidson Ngibuini alias DNG won the MCA seat in the Woodley Kenyatta Golf Course on a UDA ticket. DNG beat P-Unit’s Gabriel ‘Gabu’ Kagundu, who was vying under Musalia Mudavadi's ANC party before he conceded.

Indirect Involvements

Socialite Faith Makau, alias Amber Ray, announced on Wednesday, August 10 that one of her former lovers emerged victorious in the August 9 polls, pending an official announcement. She had once dated Zaheer Jhanda, who is contesting for the Nyaribari Chache parliamentary seat on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket.