A prominent Kibra-based CEO has declared Kibera his political stronghold as he officially signals his intention to unseat area Member of Parliament Peter Orero in next year’s general election.
Speaking during a community outreach programme in Kibera, the businessman-cum-humanitarian said his growing presence on the ground was driven by a desire to offer practical solutions to challenges facing residents, rather than engage in what he termed as “empty politics”.
“I am in control of Kibera. This remains my stronghold because I have walked with the people, listened to them and responded to their needs,” the CEO told residents, drawing cheers from a section of the crowd.
The aspirant, who has maintained a relatively low public profile in previous years, has lately intensified grassroots engagements across several villages within Kibera, including Laini Saba, Gatwekera, Kianda and Mashimoni.
His approach, largely centred on door-to-door interactions and community-based forums, has resonated strongly with residents who say they feel neglected by current leadership.
Many locals view the CEO as a potential political game-changer, citing his consistent humanitarian work as a key factor behind his rising popularity.
Over the past year alone, he has reportedly distributed food supplies, clothing and other material support to vulnerable families, including the elderly, widows and unemployed youth.
“He doesn’t wait for elections to help people. We have seen him during hard times, and that’s why we trust him,” said a resident of Gatwekera.
The CEO, a staunch Christian, has often kept off the political limelight, choosing instead to engage directly with residents away from rallies and media cameras.
Allies say this low-key style has helped him build genuine networks on the ground, particularly among women and youth groups.
According to previous opinion polls conducted by this publication, the CEO currently enjoys a significant popularity advantage over incumbent MP Peter Orero.
The surveys suggest that if elections were held today, he would comfortably defeat the sitting legislator — a finding likely to heighten political temperatures in the constituency.
Political analysts note that Kibera’s electorate has increasingly shown appetite for leaders with visible grassroots impact, warning that incumbency alone may not guarantee re-election.
While MP Orero is yet to formally respond to the CEO’s declaration, insiders say the race for Kibera is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched constituency battles in the upcoming polls.
As campaigns slowly take shape, all eyes will be on whether the CEO can convert his grassroots goodwill into votes — and whether the incumbent can counter a challenger many residents are already calling “the people’s candidate.”
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