Our popular politicians were dabbling in other interests that have nothing to do with leading.

They still used their hustle back then as a springboard to pursue elective posts.

Some of these platforms include music, charity and even sports.

In Kenya, there are a number of top politicians who happened to be professional sports personalities before diving into politics.

1. Wilson Korir

32-year old Korir a long distance runner is the current Member of Parliament for Cherangany Constituency elected in March 2013 general elections.

Korir, who doubles up as an athlete and a politician, is the 2012 Boston Marathon winner as well as two time Los Angeles Marathon in 2009 and 2010

2. Raila Odinga

Former prime minister, Raila Odinga once played as a midfielder for Gor Mahia which was then known as Luo union football club.

Raila Odinga popularly known as RAO is an Arsenal die-hard fan.

3. Peter Kenneth

Peter Kenneth is a Kenyan politician who served as a member of parliament for Gatanga constituency for a decade.

Kenneth was a goalkeeper when he was still in school and he even went on to play for former Kenya Premier League side Reunion FC.

Peter Kenneth, once led the then Kenyan Football Federation (KFF) from 1996 to 2000. Kenneth also served in the ministry of planning and national development.

4. Daniel Wanyama

Wanyama is a Veteran international volleyball player and former long-serving national team captain.

According to News24, Wanyama won the Webuye West parliamentary seat during his second attempt by trouncing his rival after commanding 11,145 votes against his closest rival’s 10,176.

Popularly known as “Amboseli” during his heyday, Wanyama turned out for Kenya Airways and Co-operative Bank teams at club level and was also the overall team captain for the Kenyan contingent in 1999 to the All Africa Games in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Later, he joined sports management as Secretary General of the Kenya Volleyball Federation.

5. Gideon Moi

Gideon Moi, who is the youngest son of Kenya’s second president Daniel Arap Moi, has served in the Senate, representing Baringo County since 2013 general election.

Moi, who is a professional polo player, made history when he became one of the first African players in the Kenya Polo Association.

6. Charles Kanyi

Charles Njagua Kanyi known to many as Jaguar was a celebrated secular artiste known for songs as Kigeugeu, Kioo among others.

Jaguar is currently the Member of Parliament for Starehe Constituency.

7. John Kiarie

KJ, as he is fondly known, is the current Member of Parliament for Dagoretti South.

But attaining that has not been a walk in the park as he had to contest against Dennis Waweru.

KJ who won on a Jubilee ticket had before contested for the same seat on an ODM ticket but lost.

Before venturing into politics KJ was a well-known comedian, especially in the local show Redykulas.