Dancehall artiste William Karuga Kimani, known to fans as KRG The Don, could soon be trading studio sessions for Senate chambers after former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko announced the singer’s bid for the Nairobi County Senate seat on the National Empowerment Democratic Party (NEDP) ticket.
Sonko announced on Tuesday, September 22, revealing that the two had met for talks ahead of what could be a surprising political career pivot for the musician.
What did KRG and Sonko discuss?
According to Sonko, their conversation centred on issues he described as pressing concerns for ordinary Nairobians, including youth and women empowerment, poverty eradication, support for small traders, and improving conditions in informal settlements.
“Our mission is simple: fight poverty, create opportunities and improve lives across Nairobi,” Sonko wrote, adding that Nairobi needed a senator who would champion accountability and defend county resources.
He closed his message with a rallying call:
“Nairobi ni yetu sote. Mungu mbele.”
The announcement did not land quietly. Kenyans on social media quickly weighed in, with many expressing scepticism about the entertainer’s readiness for the demands of legislative office.
Elly KE wrote:
“Senate is a serious office that doesn’t need jokers.”
Stanley Wekesa urged restraint, commenting:
“Sonko, the Senate is a house of honour. Advise him to run for an MP seat.”
Hon Lutta was even more blunt, simply saying:
“This is now comedy.”
Samuel Prosperity echoed a similar sentiment, calling it the “Joke of the year.”
Albert Koskei raised a more substantive concern, asking:
“Can he handle oversight?”
Not everyone was dismissive, however. Yakoub Yakub kept it brief and neutral:
“Good for him.”
The Nairobi Senate seat is no small prize. The senator represents one of Kenya’s most populous and politically charged counties, with responsibilities that include oversight of the county government and protection of devolved funds.
Whether KRG The Don can convince Nairobi voters he is up to that task remains to be seen.
