Social media influencer and philanthropist Mercy Nashipai Legilisho, popularly known as Mercy Masai, has officially announced her intention to vie for the Kajiado County Woman Representative seat in the 2027 General Election.
The 27-year-old influencer, who has built a name through charity work and online activism, said she is ready to transition from community service into national leadership.
Her announcement immediately drew mixed reactions online, with supporters praising her grassroots initiatives while critics questioned her political preparedness and lifestyle.
In a statement shared online, Mercy said she had received blessings from her family and community to pursue the seat.
I’ve known Mercy Maasai since she was barely 20, long before the accident and long before many people knew her name. We actually met in a matatu, and within minutes you could already tell she was different — humble, confident, focused and hardworking. We didn’t get much time… pic.twitter.com/5ZkPfTxU6h
— Tumiso senelwa??❤️ (@SenelwaTumiso) May 18, 2026
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“It is official! A few weeks ago, my family and community gave me their blessings to officially present myself as a candidate in the upcoming 2027 elections,” she wrote.
Introducing herself as Mercy Nashipai Legilisho from Nkama in Oloitokitok, Kajiado County, she described herself as a psychologist, farmer, and community activist leading the Mercy Mission Foundation.
According to Mercy, her vision is centred on restoring hope in Kajiado through improved education and healthcare while breaking barriers linked to clan politics and tribal divisions.
“My vision for Kajiado County is simple yet profound: to serve our people diligently, breaking down barriers of clan and tribe,” she stated.
The influencer also defended her record in community work, noting that she has been running the Mercy Mission Foundation since 2020, when she was only 21 years old.
She highlighted initiatives undertaken through the organisation, including fundraising for school fees, food drives, sanitary towel donations for rescued girls, and sponsoring a student through high school education.
Mercy further said issues such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), early pregnancies, and access to education are among the major challenges facing Kajiado County and would form part of her manifesto.
However, her announcement quickly attracted criticism online, with some users questioning whether influencers should transition into elective politics.
Others referenced alleged links to Oscar Sudi, claims they have yet to address.
Some critics also took issue with her fashion choices and unmarried status, prompting Mercy to respond directly.
“Mambo ya kuvaa mimi ni Gen Z na bora nguo iko decent na maumbile iko sawa hakuna dosari jameni,” she wrote, defending her style while insisting that leadership and hard work matter most.
Among the reactions circulating online, one X user identified as @wilbrownkaris01 commented: “Olewa kwanza, how can you lead hata huna familia?”
Another user, @DanielSolitei, questioned how she plans to support women in remote parts of Kajiado, such as Mosiro, Torosei, and Shompole.
Meanwhile, @Gitz_ criticised the relevance of the Woman Representative position altogether, arguing that the country needs more impactful leadership rather than celebrity-style politics.
Despite the backlash and love in equal measure, Mercy appears determined to push ahead with her campaign, promising that her official manifesto will be unveiled soon.