The August 9, 2022, General Election saw a record number of renowned journalists try their hand at elected politics.
Some of the big names that contested for elective seats included; Phelix Odiwuor (Jalang’o), Mwanaisha Chidzuga, Tony Kwalanda, Bonnie Musambi and Jasper Muthomi (MC Jessy).
Kenyans.co.ke looked at some of the big names who returned to the media industry after unsuccessfully trying their luck.
Mwanaisha Chidzuga
The former K24 TV news anchor made news in September 2021 after she announced that she was in the race for the Matuga Parliamentary seat.
At that time, she stated that she was inspired by her late mother to join politics.
“I would like to thank the elders for the responsibility they have bestowed upon me to fill the gap left by my mother in Matuga. I will do my best if God grants us the win in 2022,” she stated back then.
Mwanaisha’s mother Zainab Chidzuga was the first Kilifi Woman Representative but lost the seat in 2017.
The journalist, who vied on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket, had her political dream cut short after she was defeated by Tandaza Kassim Sawa of the Amani National Congress.
After losing the election, Mwanaisha joined TV47 Radio to host the Mchikicho show from 10 am to 1 pm.
MC Jessy
Jasper Muthomi, popularly known as MC Jessy, vied as an independent candidate for the Imenti South seat.
He had planned to vie under a UDA ticket but was told to step aside in favour of Mwiti Kathaara.
Aggrieved by the decision, MC Jessy vied as an independent candidate but lost the race.
The journalist, who dabbles in comedy, joined NRG radio in April 2023 where he hosts a show on Thursday from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM alongside DJ Malaika.
Bonnie Musambi
Bonnie Musambi left Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) on February 2022 to contest for the Kitui Central Parliamentary seat.
He vied on a UDA ticket but lost to Wiper Party’s Benson Makali Mulu who won the seat for a third consecutive 5-year term.
After losing, Musambi returned to the media industry by joining Sang’u FM to host Rhumba Malamu show on Sundays from 8:00 PM to midnight.
On Tuesday, March 21, Bonnie announced that he had been appointed as the director of coordination in the office of State House spokesperson.
The journalist though did not leave his show at Sangu FM, a radio station he co-owns with his wife.
