More radio hosts, musicians line up for Wamuchomba seat

The Kiambu Woman Representative seat has attracted radio presenters and musicians as August elections date draws nearer.

The seat is currently occupied by Gathoni Wamuchomba, who was also a radio presenter before joining politics. She is now warming up to wrestle Githunguri parliamentary seat from the incumbent Kago Wa Lydia. Ms Gathoni successfully used the air waves and her popular radio show, Muigwithania, to propel her to the seat.

In 2017, Wamuchomba garnered 922,829 votes — one of the highest votes in the country after presidential aspirants. Her success was credited to her popularity as a radio presenter. She would later be elected chairperson of Kenya Women Parliamentarians.

This year, Ann Muratha another radio show host and popular public speaker, has thrown her hat in the political ring, saying she will be contesting on a United Democratic Alliance ticket. Ms Wamuratha has been seen with Deputy President William Ruto, a move that has stirred Kiambu politics.

Commonly referred to as Wamuratha, the radio host is a household name in central Kenya as she not only co-hosts a show but is also a well known emcee.

She is also a popular speaker at weddings and dowry presentations where she woos people with her wit and charm.

Another airwaves celebrity who has thrown her hat in the Kiambu seat battle is Loise Njeri Githuku, popularly known as Loise Kim.

She is a gospel musician and philanthropist. Loise Kim, who hails from Kabete, is also allied to UDA party.

Ms Loise was instrumental in Kiambaa by-elections in which Njuguna Wanjiku emerged the winner. She was often singing and drumming up support for Njuguna in the open sound trucks. Just as Wamuchoba did, Wamuratha and Loise Kim will use their talents and radio air waves fame to help them in their respective campaigns.

Still in the battle for the same seat is Mercy Nungari, a presenter and radio programme producer at local radio station.

Mercy was the producer of Wamuchomba’s radio show that sprung her to popularity. Nungari would later use the popularity to get a nomination by Jubilee party as a nominated MCA.

So far, Nungari has not said on which party ticket she intends to vie for the Kiambu seat.

Njeri Bakari is yet another contestant for the Kiambu seat. A corporate governance expert, she is also a nominated MCA from Kikuyu Constituency .

Njeri is well known rubble rouser in social media, something that has endeared her to the Kiambu electorate.

The youngster is promising the presenters a run for their money with her popularity with the youth online.

Njeri will be fighting for the position on the Moses Kuria CCM Party. She will be counting heavily on social media in her quest.