Joe Nyaga's Son Joins Race To Succeed Uhuru

An image of John Jeremiah Mwaniki Nyaga
John Jeremiah Mwaniki Nyaga addresses the media in Kirinyaga County on Tuesday, March 22, 2022.
John Nyaga

John Mwaniki Nyaga, the son of former Cabinet Minister and 2017 presidential candidate, Joseph Nyaga has joined the race to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta

Speaking at a press conference in Kirinyaga County, on Tuesday, March 22, Nyaga declared interest to run for the Presidency in the August 9, General Election.

He noted that the decision was arrived at after holding discussions with local leaders and politicians in the vote-rich Mount Kenya region.

 Name An image of John Jeremiah Mwaniki Nyaga
An undated image of John Jeremiah Mwaniki Nyaga, the son of former cabinet Minister Joe Nyaga.
JohnNyaga

"In about two weeks, I am going to declare my candidacy as an independent candidate for the Presidency of the Republic of Kenya as is my democratic right, he stated.

He added that his bid was motivated by his quest to debunk the notion that the Presidency in Kenya is reserved for specific communities in the country.

Nyaga insisted that all communities regardless of their size by population have the right to contest the seat. His native community, the Ambeere, he said, will be represented by two candidates on the ballot despite having a population of about 200,000. 

"Any community can field a presidential candidate or as many as it wishes." 

A holder of a Master's Degree from the University of Cambridge, Nyaga is a professional in the communication and advertising industry. He is the co-founder and partner at What's Good Studios, a media production and distribution company.

His portfolio includes several high-profile companies including Safaricom, Nivea, Celtel and HKLM group, a South African-based advertising agency.

Nyaga, who made headlines during his father's funeral service in December 2020, will face his father's close allies, Deputy President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

The three, alongside Amani National Congress (ANC) party leader Musalia Mudavadi and Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala, were part of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Pentagon in the 2007 General Election.

Also in the race to State House are Gospel musician Reuben Kigame, businesswoman Grita Muthoni, Jimi Wanjigi and David Waihiga. 

Former Cabinet Minister Joe Nyagah (right) with ODM leader Raila Odinga at Capital Hill offices in 2018.
Former Cabinet Minister Joe Nyagah (right) with ODM leader Raila Odinga at Capital Hill offices in 2018.
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