Nairobi Azimio La Umoja gubernatorial aspirant, Polycarp Igathe, has become an online sensation with his witty campaign strategy that has left Kenyans in stitches.
While appearing for an interview on NTV on Monday, May 23, Igathe was challenged by his host, Lofty Matambo, to try his hand at anchoring news by reading a Swahili script.
The gubernatorial hopeful took up the challenge and read the news on the teleprompter in Swahili. The audience was stunned by his grasp of the language as well as the poise in which he read the script.
His accuracy and diction caught the attention of Kenyans, with many expressing their admiration for the gubernatorial hopeful.
Igathe, who has turned into a clownish figure as he seeks to succeed governor Ann Kananu as the fourth boss of the capital city, was also keen to point out he was aware of the jokes that people are making as he interacts with voters across the county.
NTV's Matambo joked about his job being on the line if he allows Igathe to anchor the news on his behalf. The gubernatorial aspirant also teased the journalist that he might come for his job after serving as Nairobi governor.
The Igathe jokes have taken a different trajectory on social media with Kenyans sharing different opinions as to whether the campaign strategy will win him votes or not.
And as the campaign season heats up, Kenyans have been treated to a series of theatrics as politicians move mountains to woo voters.
Igathe has been spotted hanging on a lorry full of oranges and cabbages in Marikiti market as well as riding on a donkey cart in Ruai.
Speaking during the interview with Matambo, Igathe stated that being on the ground has made him aware of the serious issues that Nairobi residents have to grapple with. He stated that his strategy is being a listener and not a talker.
"I am using my two ears and I keep quiet when I meet this person so that I can hear what Nairobi people want. Normally politicians talk a lot and they keep telling people what they will do rather than asking people what they want," he stated.
"I want to promote public participation because that is how we can achieve transformation. We can't bring laws without including all Nairobi residents and giving them the space and opportunity to speak and listen. We have to deliberate and come up with agreements on what Nairobi truly needs."
For instance, he noted that there is a serious water shortage in the city and that is why in some parts of the city residents have to use donkeys to fetch the precious commodity.
