Rapper-Turned-Politician: Octopizzo Aims for Kibra Parliamentary Seat

Kenyan hip-hop musician Henry Ohanga better known as Octopizzo has formally announced his political ambitions, saying he will run against the Kibra Parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election.

The revelation was done on Tuesday, November 4, when the rapper used his X (formerly Twitter) to respond to a fan who demanded that he be like the late Raila Odinga and continue to champion the cause of justice and equality. In his response, Raila was shown the respect that he deserves in Kenya by his effect on democracy, and that he will certainly be following up that legacy in the form of his service to the people.

I fully know, and we shall always grieve; anything un-democratic will always carry him in mind, he wrote. I have listened to your request, and inshallah, you will see my name on the ballot in Kibra.

The news is announced after the death of Raila Odinga, who was an event that Octopizzo claimed has been very unsettling in the political landscape of the country. He noted that the opposition and the ruling party appear to be lost without the unifying influence of the long serving leader.

Octopizzo says that the Kenyan politics had been dominated by a figure that was Raila who had been shaping the political discourse in the country. His departure has hence revealed the weaknesses of most political leaders who, according to Octopizzo, had been banking on the popularity of Raila rather than coming up with their own leadership ideals.

Raila Odinga steps aside, and all the system trembles, said he. ODM is disoriented, the opposition is disorganized and even the government seems to be lost. It turns out that not all of them were real leaders, they were mere parrots repeating Baba so tribal people can clap and act like he was fake. The script is now dead, and politics is survival till 2027 with no direction, no belief, and no purpose other than noise.

The artist to be discussed was born in Kenya and stressed that Kenya has reached a crossroad in its political life and that this blank leaves an opportunity to the real and brave leaders. He urged young people to rise up and take leadership away out of career politicians.

Young and brave leaders were coming out now–not designer suit followers who thought they were brave, but real leaders, Octopizzo said. Kenya needs integrity, courage, and creative leadership, and not recycled politics. The nation does not require additional politicians, it necessitates leaders who are uncompromising, unpurchased, and fearless.

The announcement is a major change in the lives of Octopizzo, as he is no longer involved in music but rather serving the community. The award-winning rapper has been an outspoken person when it comes to social justice, community empowerment and the plight of the youths in the informal settlements- particularly in Kibra where he had to live in his early days. He has over the years taken the opportunity to support education, human rights, and the marginalized communities in equality.

His announcement makes him the latest Kenyan entertainer to cross over to politics. With the 2027 General Election looming, a number of celebrities already started giving subtle indications of political ambitions, which points to a further marrying of entertainment and politics.

They include Stephen Karuga Kimani, a notorious criminal better known as KRG the Don who has threatened to run in the Nairobi Senatorial seat. Recently, in one of his Instagram posts, KRG posted a picture of himself and Siaya Governor James Orengo with the caption: Siaya Governor Hon. James Orengo and Nairobi Senator (2027) Hon. Stephen Karuga Kimani. He did not elaborate on it, but this was widely construed as a campaign innuendo.

In the meantime, Langata MP, Phelix Odiwuor otherwise known as Jalang’o, has urged comedian, Eric Omondi, to enter politics as well. Jalang publicly called on Omondi to contest the Embaksi East Parliamentary seat in the 2027 elections, citing the fact that the incumbent MP, Babu Owino, will probably run against Omondi in the Nairobi Governorship.

When people trust in what you do! I appreciate being given this job by the people of Lang-ta. More work, less politics,” Jalang’o wrote. Eric Omondi, pick me up, that we might speak. Get ride of this crew of yours–go get on and fight Embaksi East–Babu is coming up!

The increased number of entertainers entering politics bears an indication of the generational change in leadership in Kenya. Artists with significant followings, especially those who have been active on social issues such as Octopizzo, are using their position to demand political reform and representation of the youth.

As long as Octopizzo fulfills his pledge, his entrance into the Kibra race will not only become a form of competition but also a beacon of a new era whereby creative minds attempt to make their own grassroots activism a reality and a political leadership position.

By 2027, everyone will be keen on whether the man who has devoted his life to social justice and empowering communities can carry his Antisocial enthusiasm into a winning political campaign one that is based on the same level of authenticity that has characterised his music career.