Women display tattoos of their preferred political candidates and slogans. [Courtesy]
It is common to hear of someone tattooing a realistic picture of a late relative, a child's birth date, or a romantic partner’s initials onto their skin.
For generations, body art has served as the ultimate, deeply personal way to honour the people who shape our private lives and hold our hearts.
Today, however, that permanent devotion is moving beyond family circles and into politics.
People are increasingly turning their skin into a canvases for social commentary, resistance and civic engagement.
In Nairobi, a woman recently tattooed controversial Pastor Victor Kanyari’s political slogan on her chest.
This was in support of the Salvation Healing Ministry pastor’s bid for Member of Parliament position in Kasarani, Nairobi.
Addressing the woman dressed in an off-shoulder kitenge dress, Kanyari expressed his excitement to the commitment the lady showed in supporting him. Pointing out how fresh the tattoo was, he gifted the woman Sh10,000.
This comes days after the burial of Rachael Wandeto who died following a brutal attack by unknown assailants.
This tragic incident happened after Wandeto made headlines for tattooing President William Ruto’s face and the controversial phrase “Tutam” to show her political support.
According to the police report, the late gospel artiste was attacked while running errands, before her assailants doused her with a flammable substance and set her on fire.
Following the tragic ordeal, onlookers rushed Wandeto to a Nairobi hospital for emergency care before reporting to the police.
Wandeto sustained severe burns on her face, arms, legs, torso and other parts of her body. She passed away at Kenyatta National Hospital on May 18.
In another instance dating back to 2024, a woman tattooed former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko’s face on her thigh. Mary Njoki, a single mother from Murang’a turned to social media to address the renowned politician asking for financial help.
Njoki shared a clip that went viral showing the detailed tattoo of Sonko’s face imprinted on her thigh.
She appealed in Kiswahili saying, “"Hi Mike Sonko. How are you? I'm Mary Njoki from Murang'a. I am the one who got the tattoo, and it is on my leg. I'm going through a lot of trouble financially and was asking you to help me. I have children to feed. I have no active relationship with my immediate family. I am just asking you to give me even if it's work.”
Mary Njoki also praised Sonko for his legendary generosity, explaining that she chose to get a tattoo of his face because he always helped complete strangers in need.
Njoki’s emotional online plea quickly caught the politician's attention and shortly after seeing it, the former Nairobi governor invited Mary to his luxurious Nairobi offices.
Sociologist Samson Ole Mosoi says tattooing a political leader’s face or slogan carries both positive and negative implications.
He says, “we live in a democratic country where people are free to express their political standing and support,” adding that the constitution protects such expression.
He says such decisions can be influenced by personal gain, explaining that “by tattooing these markings or drawings, it could also attract fame for the wearer,” as some individuals hope it may lead to encounters with leaders or access to opportunities.
He added that in some cases, economic hardship plays a role, “economic constraints,” hoping “to be connected to the individual leaders who can help them financially or offer opportunities.”
However, he warned that there is a darker side to the trend. He explained that once someone becomes strongly associated with a political figure, it tends to making them vulnerable to public scrutiny.
The risk becomes even greater during elections. He cautioned that if a candidate loses, the tattoo may become a lasting symbol of defeat.
“if a leader doesn’t become successful on the ballot, one might face social stigma where people on the opposing party might harass you,” while also leaving the wearer personally disappointed.