Politics is a game of mind aimed at improving one's standing status in the society as well as power. In Kenya, professionals from across the industries have a time and again tried their hand in politics.
While only a handful delve into these murky waters of politics at an early age, most citizens prefer it as their retirement package upon completion of illustrious careers. Accomplished athletes are no exception when it comes to politicking.
Kenyans.co.ke highlights some of the star athletes who have contested for elective seats and won or lost.
1. Wesley Korir
Wesley Korir is a renown long distance marathoner, majoring in road running. He began running at a young age but his career received a boost when former Olympic Gold Medalist, Paul Ereng, pulled strings to earn him admission into the Murray State University in America in 2004.
Korir grew in his strides and went on to set records in the 1,500, 3,000, 5,000 and 10,000 metre races. He returned to Kenya in 2007 at the height of the post-election skirmishes and was forced to seek refuge in Uganda. The athlete found his way back to America in 2008, where he signed up for the Chicago Marathon.
This marked the beginning of his success in long distance running. He went on to win the Los Angels Marathon in 2009 and 2010 before coming in second in the 2011 Chicago Marathon. Korir's crowning moment came in 2012 when he won the Chicago Marathon.
Korir came back to Kenya and contested for the Member of Parliament in his home constituency, Cherengany. Despite contesting as an independent candidate, he trounced then sitting MP, Joshua Kutuny.
"I never thought I would get into politics. But I have seen how disunified Cherengany was and new that we needed good leadership," he stated.
Kutuny, however, snatched back the seat during the 2017 polls.
2. Dan Wanyama
Daniel Wanyama is the current MP for Webuye West. Towering at 6.2ft, he is arguably the tallest member of the 12th Parliament.
Unknown to many, Wanyama was a renown volleyball player who capped for the national team. He joined the men's volleyball team in 1991.
The trained banker captained the squad at the 1999 All Africa Games in 1999 in what would be the teams best finish in the tournament. Although he retired from national sports, he continued playing locally.
Wanyama joined politics in 2007 where he unsuccessfully contested for the Webuye parliamentary seat, finishing third.
In 2013, he made a second attempt at the seat and was duly elected MP. He defended his seat in 2013 under a Jubilee Party ticket.
Dan has served in several parliamentary committees including Labor and Social Welfare, Sports, Tourism and Culture, Catering and Health, and the committee on National Cohesion an Equal Opportunity.
3. Elijah Lagat
Elijah Lagat makes the list of athletes who have successfully contested for elective seats. The winner of the 2000 Boston Marathoner joined parliament in 2007.
He was elected as the Legislator for Emgwen constituency under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). In 2013, Chemusei constituency was carved out from Emgwen and Mosop.
Lagat ran for the Chemusei parliamentary seat under the United Republican Party (URP) in 2013. He served as the vice chair of the parliamentary committee of Catering and Health Club.
4. Wilfred Bungei
Bungei is among the athletes who have sought leadership in the country. Unlike Korir and Lagat who dominated in long races, Wilfred Bungei was a force to reckon with in track races.
Between 2002 and 2003, he was named world champion in the 800 metre race. Wilfred bagged gold in the 2008 Olympics in the two-lap dash.
He was subsequently christened a warrior of the Nandi community in 2008.
Unfortunately, he was not able to replicate his track performance in the ballot. He unsuccessfully contested for Emgwen parliamentary seat in 2017, losing to Alex Kosgey, son of former Cabinet Minister, Henry Kosgey.
5. McDonald Mariga
McDonald Mariga is arguably among Kenya's best footballers. He captained the Harambee Stars in several regional and continental competitions.
Mariga showed interest in politics in 2019. In fact, he announced his retirement from football in September 2019 to focus on politics.
He contested for the Kibra Parliamentary seat in by-election following the demise of Ken Okoth. The football star received a direct ticket from the Jubilee Party, having being endorsed by deputy party leader, William Ruto.
Nonetheless, he lost the election to Imran Okoth, who succeeded his brother in the ODM stronghold.
