A 34-year-old Kwale political aspirant has seen his campaign gain unexpected momentum after a video of him delivering a speech atop a wheelbarrow at a Kenya Kwanza rally went viral, drawing attention to his bid for the Pongwe-Kikoneni Ward seat.
Omar Bakari Mwaduga, a local leader in Lunga-Lunga Constituency, was an obscure figure in the crowded race for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) nomination until a May 2022 rally changed his trajectory. During the event, supporters insisted he speak from a wheelbarrow placed at the podium, a moment captured in a short video that spread rapidly online.
"I tried to refuse, but they insisted," Mwaduga recalled, describing how he climbed onto the wheelbarrow despite initial hesitation. The act, which some claimed was staged, instead became a symbol of his grassroots connection. The following day, his home in Mshiu village saw over 100 visitors seeking assistance, with many assuming his proximity to Deputy President William Ruto meant financial resources.
Despite his rising profile, Mwaduga remains a financially strained candidate. He sold family livestock and took loans to fund his campaign, using proceeds to pay nomination fees and print campaign materials. His two wives have also relied on community savings groups to support his bid, as he prepares for the August 9 elections.
Mwaduga’s political journey began in 2018 when he organized efforts to help residents obtain government-issued IDs and birth certificates. Over four years, he assisted at least 7,000 people in Pongwe-Kikoneni Ward, a constituency of 40,000. His earlier role as chairman of local charcoal dealers, a position he held since 2013, also shaped his focus on economic empowerment for the community.
"I’m confident the people of Pongwe-Kikoneni will support me to transform our lives," Mwaduga said, citing his plans to revive the charcoal industry and improve access to government services. He aims to meet Ruto before the polls to discuss strategies for economic development in Lunga-Lunga.
