Walter Mong'are, popularly known as Nyambane, is the latest entrant into the crowding presidential race and hopes to floor both Deputy President William Ruto and Orange Democratic Movement's (ODM), Raila Odinga.
Nyambane, who formerly hosted Kiss FM breakfast show alongside Carol Mutoko, was endorsed by the Umoja Summit party at the National Delegates Convention (NDC) held at a Nairobi hotel in Westlands on Saturday, March 19.
The trailblazing Redykyulass and Red Kona comic, Mong'are accepted the endorsement promising to spur inclusive growth, transparency and integrity.
Defending his bid to join the presidential race, Nyambane noted that he drew his inspiration from the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Mong'are made an entry into the country's political scene in 2017 after President Uhuru Kenyatta appointed him as Director of Youth Affairs in the Office of the President. He was then advised by the Head of State to drop his famed Nyambane moniker that was inspired by his comical roles such imitating the late President, Daniel Arap Moi.
Nyambane noted that the Ukrainian President started like him by playing a role on TV and now is leading his country despite attacks from Russia.
"For a moment, he [Zelenskyy] imitated the President and he became one. I imitated the President and I, too, I am becoming one. As Umoja Summit, we shall continue to speak with one voice, because this is our land, country, and moment together," Mong'are stated.
"The General Election is on August 9. As a country, we have a new dawn. We shall not use sunroofs or stand on top of lorries and trucks to lecture the youth or dish out money, we shall have a sit-down and listen to them. We shall not be making promises but giving them our commitment."
Mong'are pledged to create more opportunities for the youth in his administration.
"The youth, who form a large percentage of Kenya’s population have not been accorded the opportunity to be at the table to influence policy. We, thus, assure the youth that Umoja Summit Party is your home, it is your vehicle. All we, as party leaders, have to do is to steer. Your thoughts, dreams, and plans will decide the direction it takes," he promised.
The former Director of Youth Affairs dismissed the narrative that presidential race is a two horse race pitting Deputy President William Ruto and Azimio la Umoja's Raila Odinga.
"We believe that we are not late into the race for the presidency. Our symbol is a pot because we are cooking great things for Kenya and thank like-minded individuals who have joined us from other parties."
Nyambane became famous for his comical roles in Red Kona imitating various top leaders.
