Comedian Walter Mong’are, known professionally as Nyambane, has secured clearance from Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to contest the 2022 presidential election, marking a dramatic shift from his career as a political mimic to active candidacy.
From Comedy to Campaigns ¶
Mong’are, who rose to fame in the early 2000s through his impersonations of former President Daniel arap Moi as part of the Reddykyulass comedy trio, announced his presidential bid while referencing his past performances. "Mlisema Moi hatarudi, (You said Moi would not return), I am back," he declared at the IEBC headquarters in Nairobi, blending humor with political ambition.
His career trajectory includes roles as a presidential advisor, KBC programming head, and media personality. Mong’are’s decision to run under the Umoja Summit party, symbolized by a pot, follows his admiration for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a former comedian who transitioned to leadership.
IEBC Clearance Process ¶
The IEBC cleared multiple candidates across parliamentary and county seats on May 31, 2022. While some aspirants faced hurdles—such as Ford-Kenya’s Daniel Kimani, who was given additional time to submit the required Sh50,000 deposit—others like Nakuru Senate candidate Tabitha Karanja and Sotik MP Dominic Koskei received approval.
Koskei criticized the April UDA nominations, stating, "What happened is unacceptable and August polls will speak the truth." Meanwhile, UDA candidates like Francis Sigei and independent contenders such as Brighton Yegon and Sammy Koech were cleared in various constituencies.
Historical Context and Political Implications ¶
Mong’are’s candidacy echoes his 2007 collaboration with the Institute for Education in Democracy (IED) on the Vijana Tugutuke campaign, which aimed to mobilize youth voters. Dr. Koki Muli, IED’s leader, praised his transition, saying, "He has finally lived the message, by transforming a dream into a reality."
The IEBC’s regional offices processed candidates nationwide, with Taita-Taveta’s Eisha Oshan confirming six Senate aspirants met legal requirements. These included incumbent Senator Jones Mwaruma (ODM) and former Wundanyi MP Thomas Mwadeghu (Wiper Party), among others.
Mong’are’s campaign highlights the intersection of entertainment and politics in Kenya, as he seeks to leverage his public persona to challenge established political figures ahead of the August elections.
