Mapema ndio best is undoubtedly one of the most common slogans used by Kenyans today.
From President William Ruto to ordinary citizens, the viral phrase has been used for comical relief in day-to-day conversations among peers and across the board.
However, unknown to many, is the face and story behind the viral phrase.
Kevin Oreso, a former MCA aspirant in Maringo Wanza ward in Makadara Constituency in the 2022 General Election, coined the phrase after joining politics in 2020.
During an interview on NTV on Friday, January 13, the city-based politician revealed that he crafted the phrase as a campaign slogan while joining politics with the youth being his main target.
Oreso stated that he wanted a phrase that would resonate well with the youth as a way to market himself and his ideologies before the campaigns heightened.
"I decided to quit football and join politics. That was in 2020. I was targeting the youth and then crafted the message - mapema ndio best," he stated. Loosely translated, Mapema Ndio Best is a slang phrase in Kenya meaning that clearing duties early on is the best move.
Notably, he indicated that he had crafted other slogans before settling on the viral slogan.
"At first, I had come up with the slogan very very fast but I realised another music group had used it in their song.
"I was sure that I would win and decided to change it so that nobody would accuse me of riding on the slogan to win the seat,"' he stated.
However, despite his ingenuity and creativity, things did not go his way and he lost in the polls.
The politician indicated that he had not given up and would return to the political scene again in the coming years. He admitted that the August 9 polls had taught him a few lessons in politics.
During his football career, Oreso played for grassroots teams such as Kibera All-star and Mt Kenya United.
However, an ankle injury saw him retire from football during the early stages of his professional career.
"I have always dreamed of joining politics to change the lives of people there. I had ankle surgery and there was money that was needed which I did not have so had to quit," he stated.
