10 popular Kenyan sports stars who went into politics

Jubilee candidate for Kibra by-election McDonald Mariga in Kibera during his campaigns in the region on Sunday, November 03 2019 [David Njaaga, Standard]

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.

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

Beijing Olympic Games 800m gold medalist Wilfred Bungei [Courtesy]

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

Rio Olympic team leader Wesley Korir addresses the media after his arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport(JKIA) on Friday night 26/08/16 from Rio Olympics championship [PHOTO: BONIFACE OKENDO]

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.