Popular 'Wamunyota' singer wins MCA seat

Lawrence Gathee wa Njeri is among the most educated musicians.

And now, the post-graduate student has added another achievement in his CV.

The singer of the popular song Wamunyota, in which he caricatures drunks, is now the Gaturi MCA-elect.

Another of his hits include Ndi Mugikuyu (I'm a Kikuyu) and Mwene Nyaga (God of Kirinyaga).

The artiste, who lost in the UDA nominations but went ahead to win as an Independent, is pursuing a master's degree in Business Administration at the Kenyatta University. He is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management and Trade.

He garnered 5,203 votes, defeating former MCA Rose Mary Njine (UDA), who polled 5,182 votes. Kiharu MP-elect Ndindi Nyoro is a voter in the ward.

During the campaigns, his colleagues in the music industry backed his bid by entertaining the electorate in rallies.

Gathee went to Kimathi Secondary School in his village, where he scored a mean score of B, a record that is yet to be broken.

"While at KU, I realised my talent. I used to do one-man guitar performances at restaurants in Githurai, Nairobi. The money I made helped me pay college fees and buy more equipment," he said.

He recounts how he bought his first guitar while still a student from money he made as a secondary school teacher in 2002.

The singer, who has mentored many upcoming musicians, in his acceptance speech promised to improve the living standards of the residents during his five-year term.

"I will work within my means to ensure all the devolved functions will be operational and also join other leaders to lobby for other projects from the national government," he said.