Fame sure does play an imperative role when pursuing a stage in Kenyan politics, but is it really a given for household names seeking success in the fickle realm of politics as rookies. Let’s see. Here are five celebrities that put their shticks on the side to put a foot in the choppy waters of politics.

McDonald Mariga:

The retired Kenyan football legend is known for achieving stardom for his football feats.

Mariga threw his hat in the ring to be Kibra’s MP after the seat fell vacant in 2019.

Mariga clinched Jubilee party’s ticket to be their flagbearer, this was followed by fervent and rigorous campaigns.

It didn’t quite pan out as Mariga would have preferred as the former professional footballer eventually lost the seat to ODM’s candidate but was decent enough to concede.

He went under the radar shortly after the defeat, maybe, he’ll re-strategize and we’ll see him try and give politics another shot.

Kriss Darlin:

Reggae Dj, Chrispinus Odhiambo best known by his pseudonym Kriss Darlin also caught the allure of politics and decided to test the waters therein.

The Disk Jokey did so in unprecedented fashion by approaching veteran politician Raila Odinga, hat in hand, meekly kneeling before him in full glare of the public and TV cameras as he seeked endorsement for the ODM party ticket.

The public derided him for compromising his dignity by kneeling before a fellow man. He remained determined and tunneled his vision to the party ticket.

Kriss was so self-assured that he put his job on the line and that came with ramifications as his bosses terminated his contract at NTV shortly after.

The Dj lost the nomination and fell off the public grid but you know what they say – a man can try.

Jaguar:

Charles Njagua alias known as Jaguar was a proactive musician before he was driven towards politics.

The singer clinched the Jubilee party nomination ticket and delved into a contested campaign to become MP for the constituency Starehe.

Njagua and his fame warded off fierce competition and was able to win himself the seat to serve as Starehe constituency’s MP.

Jaguar, hailed as an activist for his studio hit ‘kigeugeu’ was later criticized for embodying the same politicians he castigated in his music.

His music and fame eventually suffered as the singer cum politician put his musical career on hold.

John Kiarie:

Comic legend John Kiarie Waweru known by his abbreviation KJ was among the first celebrities from other fields to seek a political seat.

The former comic is best known for being part of the larger comic group Redykyulass.

KJ had vied for a political seat in 2013 but had lost.

He sat back, continued nursing his political ambitions and receded to what he knew, comedy.

Years later, he revitalized himself to pursue the MP seat for Dagoretti South which he successfully grasped in 2017.

He tells a tale of relentlessness and resolve to go for what you want.

Prezzo:

The Kibra by-election definitely did enchant a number of celebrities.

The flamboyant Prezzo, self-proclaimed President also took the incentive, jumped in on the bandwagon and joined political party Wiper.

The rapper later shoved his immediate political desires to the backseat but disclosed that he’ll pursue the Kibra MP seat in earnest in the forthcoming 2022 General elections.

Well, let’s wait for the president.