Publicity stunts have for long been used by companies, celebrities and politicians as a form of marketing the respective brand.
If successful, such stunts help various brands to maintain relevance especially in this era of social media where messages are ever competing for competition.
Kenyan celebrities and politicians did not disappoint in 2016 as they went a long way in staging the most innovative publicity stunts.
Here are the top 10 stunts:
1. Bahati Unseating President Uhuru
This is arguably the biggest stunt that got Kenyans from all works of life analysing the implications of the unceremonious action taken by Gospel Star Bahati during the launch of the Jubilee Party at Kasarani stadium.
2. Eric Omondi ‘Break Up’ with Girlfriend
The alleged break up got the country talking with all the major blogs offering varied perspectives on the dramatic ‘break up’.
It turned out that the drama had been stage managed as part of an advertising campaign!
3. Bishop Kiuna’s Private Jet
The good bishop, fondly referred to as Daddy by his congregation, caused a social media storm after he posted a photo of a private jet that had allegedly been bought for him as a birthday gift.
He later deleted the controversial post.
4. Shebesh Challenge
After an image of a Safaricom attendant helping a disabled customer went viral, Nairobi Women rep Rachael Shebesh posted a similar image, purporting to prove her support for persons living with disabilities.
Unfortunately, the publicity stunt backfired with Kenyans online attacking her.
5. Mike Sonko Declaring Himself President
The flamboyant Nairobi Senator dominated news headlines after he unceremoniously declared himself ‘acting President’ after he was sent to deliver a condolence speech by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
6. Millie Odhiambo Insults to President Uhuru Kenyatta
The controversial ODM MP lit a fire on social media after she went on a televised rant against President Uhuru Kenyatta at Parliament buildings.
7. Isaac Ruto’s South African Medical Holiday
The Bomet Governor became the subject of ridicule after he flew to South Africa for treatment on a minor injury on his face.
8. William Kabogo, Sonko Military Vehicle
Kabogo and the Nairobi Senator caused a scene in Kiambu after they arrived at an event riding on a rare military-like armoured vehicle estimated to be worth Sh20 Million.
9. Ezekiel Mutua Diplomatic Passport saga
The self-appointed moral policeman pulled one of the publicity stunts that terribly backfired.
After bragging about his diplomatic passport, immigration department clarified that Mutua was not qualified to have the document and ordered him to return it.
10. Nick Odhiambo’s WhatsApp Message
The Classic 105 presenter caused an online storm after a screenshot suggesting his wife was cheating on him.
It later emerged that the presenter was only joking with his friends in his claims.
