I'm no hustler, but I have what it takes to be a leader- Murathe's son Davidson Wakairu

DAVIDSON WAKAIRU, the son of Jubilee national vice-chairman David Murathe, speaks about growing up in a political family and the fight to be his own man.

 

Apart from being Murathe’s son, who are you?

First of all, I should not even be referred to as that. Yes, that’s my father but people should see me as me first. A youth activist, president of the student board at the university in Spain from 2018 to 2020, a youth leader and a businessman. I am my own man so I should be referred to as Davidson Wakairu.

 

You mentioned in previous interviews that you will be running for office. What position will you be going for and do you think you stand a chance? 

I am still thinking about this and will make the final decision towards the end of February. However, if I do decide to go for an elective position I will vie for Member of Parliament for Kasarani. It’s the projects we have undertaken in the area with the youths and the people of Marurui - Githurai area and it’s about time youth start taking leadership positions seriously instead of voting in the older generation then complaining when things aren’t done. Running is not all about winning anyway. Running is about putting your name out there and giving other youth the psyche of also going for elective positions. Take the example of Raila who has run for the presidency five times and this time around he might actually get it. 

 

You look like you were born with a silver spoon. Do you think the youth of Kenya, will relate to you?

Of course, it depends on the approach. I know people like talking about this silver spoon, and yes, I have not been poor but I was raised the right way by my parents and they were very strict. I haven’t been given anything; I’ve had to work hard for everything I have. And I don’t think Kenyans these days look at poor or rich, they care more about the ideas you have and if they resonate with them. Take the example of William Ruto. He alleges to be a hustler but he is wealthy. Nobody talks about him having five choppers. They talk about his hustler narrative because they relate to it. Voters these days have become smarter. They don’t look at your background but look at what you have to offer.

 

In a society full of cannibals, how can a young person be successful?

I think as youth, I would advise young people to do something they like to do. When you enjoy what you’re doing you’re in a position to grow. But sometimes different circumstances force people to work in places they don’t like. Guys should not really believe in the 8 to 5 culture but look into your talent and invest in yourself and what you like. The government also needs to do more in supporting the youth by reducing all these things one has to pay for when starting a business and create an environment that supports youths and encourages them to start businesses. This is also why youths need to go for more elective positions so that such agendas can be pushed for. The more we are in the house, the easier it is to make the business environment more conducive for us.

 

The hustler narrative is, people like you should not run for elective office...

That’s a very bad way to look at things. Somebody who has better education would understand the problems of the people on the ground. When they elect one of their own, they get into office and steal all the resources because they want to become rich. I believe every Kenyan has the right to run for any elective position. This narrative needs to be done away with because it is backward.

 

Is politics worth all the expenditure and the headache?

To be honest, I feel like we overspend. Compared to the salaries one is going to earn, it’s a bit shocking that we spend that much money on campaigns. It’s quite interesting that an aspiring Member of Parliament need Sh50-100 million to have a proper campaign and I heard a presidential candidate need about Sh5 billion This is a lot of money that can be channelled into other programs.

 

Do you have to Sh50-100 million to fund your campaign?

Of course not. I am hoping to hold a fundraiser when I make the final decision to run for MP and raise the funds needed for my campaign.

 

Among the young leaders in Kenya right now. Which one do you think has chances of becoming a President in future?

Johnson Sakaja. That’s my future president. He is sober, articulate. He is like both the President and Deputy President. When he talks, you have to listen and that is a gift many people don’t have. And I also believe he has the countries interest at heart.

 

Do you think you have what it takes to change the lives of the people of Kasarani?

Of course. I hope they give me a chance. The policies and ideologies have to change especially with running the CDF. And if in five years nothing has been done, they can easily replace whoever is in office. We also need to focus on civic education. Take an example of the Building Bridges Initiative, people in Central Kenya opposed a document that would give them more revenue because the person they supported told them not to support it. This tells you a lot about civic education in the country. Kenyans need to stop electing leaders who don’t help them then spend five years complaining.

 

Most times politicians say very mean things to each other, yet their kids are friends. Have you ever been a victim of your parents’ politics?

No. This has never happened to me. I think it’s just politics. They have different opinions and different sides but that does not change our relationships as kids. For example, the other day, my dad and Hon Rigathi Gachagua were on each other’s throats but Gachagua’s son and I are very good friends to date and we even call each other on our birthdays. For us, we understand the difference between politics and real life. Them they are doing their thing politicking and for us, we don’t take it to heart.

 

How do you think we can bridge the “divisions” between Luos and Kikuyus and Kalenjins and Kikuyus.

It all boils down to the leaders. The president did a handshake with Raila Odinga and you can see Raila’s support in central is rising slowly. It’s all about the leaders. People used to believe that Kalenjins and Kikuyus can’t work together but The President and Deputy President stood together for two terms and won.