10 popular Kenyan sports stars who went into politics
Football
By
GameYetu
| Dec 24, 2019
Sports stars becoming politicians is not a new concept in Kenya or around the world.
Some have won, while many others have seen their political ambitions and dreams going up in smoke.
1. McDonald Mariga
The brother to Tottenham Hotspur star, Victor Wanyama, Mariga made an unlikely move in August 2019
following the death of former Kibra MP Ken Okoth.
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The seat fell vacant in July 2019 following the death of Ken, who battled colorectal cancer.
The playground was set, Mariga (Jubilee candidate) faced ODM’s Imran Okoth in the battle for Kibra.
Okoth won after getting 24,636 votes with Mariga coming in second with 11,230 votes.
Before the Kibra by-election, Mariga kept a low profile, only making headlines because of his football
career.
2. Dan Wanyama
The Member of Parliament for Webuye West and a member of the Parliamentary Service Committee on
sports was a national volleyball team player.
He was the overall team captain at 1999 All African Games (now African Games) in Johannesburg,
South Africa.
Due to the rigorous training in volleyball, his hands are hardened and most people including dignitaries
avoid shaking hands with him since “he loves that firm and painful handshake.”
3. Elijah Lagat
Former Chesumei MP, the 2000 Boston Marathon winner, also secured two terms in the National
Assembly.
4. Dan Shikanda
The AFC Leopards chairman and former player for the popular club was the running mate for Peter
Kenneth in the 2017 Nairobi gubernatorial race. Governor Mike Sonko took over from Evans Kidero.
Shikanda is also a former aspirant for the Makadara parliamentary seat.
5. Wilfred Bungei
The Beijing Olympic Games 800m gold medalist quit athletics to try his luck but lost the Emgwen
Constituency race (August 2017) in Nandi County to Alex Kosgey, the son of former cabinet minister
Henry Kosgey.
6. Sammy Kosgei
Former Africa's 800 metres record holder was one time a nominated councilor at the defunct Nandi
County Council.
He ran for Emgwen parliamentary seat but lost in the 2013 General Election.
7. Ibrahim Hussein
The first African to win New York City Marathon and a three-time Boston Marathon winner lost to
Elijah Lagat, the Emgwen MP in the party nominations in 2007.
8. Simion Bor
The Hong Kong Marathon winner lost the Kosirai MCA seat.
9. Wilson Kipsang
Ex-world marathon record holder Wilson Kipsang lost the Keiyo South MP’s bid to Daniel Rono with a dismal margin.
10. Wesley Korir
The Boston Marathon champion lost the Cherangany Constituency seat to Joshua Kutuny.
Others
Christoper Cheboiboch, who finished as a runner up in Boston and New York City marathons, failed to defend his Emsoo ward seat on a KANU ticket.
2009 San Antonio Marathon winner Gilbert Koech lost his bid for incumbent James Murgor
in Keiyo North Constituency.
Koech, husband to Edna Kiplagat, London Marathon winner battled it out with ex- parliamentarian
Lucas Chepkitony, Thomas Maiyo Kipchumba Matuma and Joel Kimaiyo.
Wilson Boit Kipketer, the ex-3000m steeplechase record holder, failed to retain his Kabiemit
Ward seat while a former marathoner Charles Cherono, could not defend his Kibigos seat in
Elgeyo Marakwet County.
Daniel Kipng’etich Komen lost Racecourse the MCA seat in Uasin Gishu County. Komen boasts three world records –3000m (indoor), 3000m (outdoor) and two miles.
Amos Korir could not retain the Kaptel/Kamoiywo MCA seat in Nandi County.