Musician Stivo Simple Boy has officially joined the race for the Kasarani parliamentary seat, setting the stage for a possible contest against preacher Victor Kanyari in the 2027 General Election.
Stivo confirmed his interest in Kasarani on Monday, October 5, when he addressed residents and unveiled a 10-point manifesto centred on youth empowerment, jobs, affordable housing and better services.
“My Kasarani people tuende nalo. Wakati wa kazi umewadia,” Stivo said.
The musician had initially indicated that he was considering Kasarani, Lang’ata or Kibera for his parliamentary bid before settling his focus on Kasarani.
He had also said he was yet to decide on the political party to use, leaving open the possibility of running as an independent candidate.
His manifesto proposes startup grants of between KSh50,000 and KSh200,000 for young people seeking to establish businesses, creative ventures and other income-generating activities.
Stivo also wants at least 60 per cent of constituency projects to be awarded to youth-owned businesses, while promising to fight what he described as tender cartels.
“No experience government contracts for youth,” part of his manifesto reads.
The musician further proposed a creative economy hub equipped with studios, training facilities and equipment for musicians, filmmakers, TikTokers, photographers and other creatives.
He also wants fully funded skills training, internships and job placements for young people in Kasarani.
On housing, Stivo has promised to push for low-cost rental units and youth housing projects, while his healthcare proposals include improved local clinics, free maternal care and mental health support.
One of his most striking proposals is a performance-based salary for the MP, with Stivo promising to publish a public scorecard every three months.
“MP SALARY MUST BE PERFORMANCE-BASED. If I don’t deliver, I don’t take the full salary,” he stated.
Stivo has also rejected the common practice of giving voters cash to attend political rallies, saying the money should instead be invested in opportunities that can generate income.
“I will not give KSh500 for a rally. We invest in real opportunities that earn you KSh50,000+ monthly,” he said.
His entry into the race brings him into a contest where Kanyari has already established a political presence.
Kanyari declared his intention to contest the Kasarani MP seat earlier this year and has been campaigning on issues including roads, water, education, healthcare and youth empowerment. He has also promised to repair feeder roads within his first 100 days if elected.
Kanyari has remained firm on his bid despite criticism, telling residents in June that his vision for Kasarani remained strong.
“Despite all the struggles, challenges, and obstacles I have gone through, my vision for Kasarani remains stronger than ever. I have not given up, and I am still firmly in the race for Kasarani MP 2027,” he said.
With Stivo now openly campaigning in Kasarani, the 2027 parliamentary contest is taking a new turn, bringing together two high-profile figures from entertainment and religious circles.
The race is expected to attract more aspirants as political parties and candidates position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.