Man behind 'Baba while you were away ' slogan to vie for Langata MP

Japheth Muroko. [Courtesy]

The man who catapulted to national fame as the man who coined the popular 'Baba while you were away' slogan in May 2014, to highlight issues with the Jubilee government when the late opposition leader returned from the US, has declared his intention to contest the Langata parliamentary seat on an ODM ticket.

Japheth Muroko coined the popular phrase to highlight a myriad failings of the Jubilee government, as Raila flew back into the country after a three-month visit to the US.

A die-hard Raila adherent, Muroko was a staunch supporter of Raila and the two enjoyed a good rapport.

Incidentally, Muroko's wife, Karambu Muroko, died on October 15, the same day as Raila, and was buried on November 7 at his Igembe Central rural home.

Raila had ensured Muroko was in the ODM nomination list for MCA in Nairobi City County, but the activist swore he would not accept it if Raila failed to get the presidency.

In 2016, he was among ODM supporters who were seriously injured when police broke up a demo during protests to pressure the then Ahmed Issack-Hassan electoral commission to be disbanded.

Muroko said he plans to run for Lang'ata MP, a seat once held by Raila and currently by Felix Jalang'o.

Muroko said being a resident of Lang'ata, where he spends most of his time influenced his decision.

"I am based in Nairobi and a resident of Lang'ata, where I have invested heavily. I believe I will carry the day," he said.

Muroko is a miraa farmer -cum businessman who has been agitating for farmers' empowerment, after miraa farmers lost lucrative markets in Europe following the ban a decade ago.