Many Kenyans are positioning themselves to run for political office in August next year.
Among those joining the murky waters that is Kenyan politics is a number of celebrities:
Jamali Gaddafi
The former KTN journalist has joined the crowded race for the Malindi MP seat currently occupied by Aisha Jumwa.
The 35-year-old declared his bid at a religious function in Malindi town recently, joining seven other aspirants.
Jumwa will not defend the seat as she is seeking to succeed Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi.
Gospel singer Rufftone
He is eyeing the Nairobi senator seat.
"You are looking at the new incoming senator, Nairobi, Mr Roy Smith Mwatia. I’ll be vying 2022," he said in a recent interview.
The singer, who has been in the industry for more than 20 years, said he is particularly keen on empowering the youth, most of whom are jobless and immersed in antisocial behaviour.
Comedian Jalang’o (Felix Odiwour)
Jalas recently announced that he would run for Lang’ata MP.
He officially joined ODM in July.
"Jalang’o today officially joined the biggest political movement in the country. He was handed the Life Membership certificate by SG @edwinsifuna. We keep marching on #TukoTayari," ODM tweeted.
In an interview with Mpasho.co.ke, Jalas said he was tired of crying for change yet he could make the change happen.
"[There] is very little you can do to society if you are not influential. I want to go and make a difference in Lang'ata and make them great again," he said.
Comedian MC Jessy
Comedian and rapper Jasper Muthomi, better known as MC Jessy, declared he will run for South Imenti MP.
He officially joined the 2022 parliamentary race in September and received an endorsement from the constituency's elders.
"I was grateful and humbled by the elders who raised me when they honoured and bestowed on me the blessings and responsibilities to lead South Imenti constituency as the member of Parliament," he said.
Tabitha Karanja
The Keroche Breweries CEO and co-founder has thrown her hat in the 2022 political ring, launching her bid to become the next senator of Nakuru county.
Anita Soina
The environmentalist has declared her interest in becoming Kajiado North MP.
The 21-year-old shared the news on Instagram this month, saying she was born and raised in Kajiado North and thus understands the community's struggles.
"It’s here. People over profits. Every day it hurts me to see what people go through. Born to a Maasai dad from Kajiado North, as I trace back to my roots to understand my culture and as a young leader who understands some of the challenges facing the people, I have decided to do this."
"To me, the first step towards solving a problem is getting to that position of a problem solver. Twende bunge tupiganie haki za wapiga kura!"
Rapper Prezzo
The king of bling first expressed interest in the Kibra MP seat when it became vacant following Ken Okoth's death after a long battle with cancer in 2019.
Prezzo, whose real name is Jackson Makini, joined Wiper that year but later pulled out of the race.
"Yes, I will be on the ballot. If God grants me life and good health, I don’t see why not. My goal is to bring the change that people always promise to bring but once they get there they don’t bring it."
Alex Mwakideu
The Milele FM presenter wants to be Wundayi MP.
"I’m not running for the MP seat, I am becoming Wundayi MP in 2022," he said.
"I want to give back to society, going back home, nothing much has been done."
Tony Kwalanda
The sports anchor, moderator and influencer is busy wooing the people of Manda Shivanga ward, Kakamega county, building pit latrines in schools and talking to voters in churches, schools and fundraisers.
DNG
Davidson Ngibuini, aka DNG, has shown interest in representing residents of the Woodley-Kenyatta Golf Course ward in the Nairobi county assembly.
The hype man has been on the campaign trail, selling his agenda and hoping to capitalise on his connections.
"This is my backyard. It is where I was raised and nothing will give me more pride than representing my people."
Personalities who have made it to Parliament include Mohammed Ali, singer Jaguar and comedian John Kiarie, aka KJ.