Walter Mongare Nyambane joins race for presidency

Umoja party presidential aspirant Walter Mong’are alias Nyambane adjusts party cap being the symbol of his party after he was endorsed as the party flag bearer. [Jenipher Wachie, Standard]

Walter Mong’are alias Nyambane, has joined the race for the presidency.

The former Director of Youth and Development in the Office of the President was yesterday endorsed by the Umoja Summit party during the National Delegates Convention at Western Heights, Nairobi.

Mong’are, known for Redykyulass and Red Kona comedy, said he is drawing inspiration from the president of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky.

Zelensky was a former comedian and actor.

“For a moment, he (Zelensky) imitated the president and he became one. I imitated the president and I, too, I'm becoming. As Umoja Summit, we shall continue to speak with one voice, because this is our land, country, and moment together,” he said.

During his days at the Redykyulass comedy group, Mong’are played the role of then-President Daniel Moi.

The Vijana Tugutuke champion once hosted Kiss FM breakfast show alongside Caroline Mutoko before his appointment by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Yesterday, he urged the youth to take up an active role in politics. 

“We shall not use sunroofs or stand on top of lorries and trucks to lecture the youth or dish out money. We shall have a sit-down and listen to them for their voices to influence the decisions we are making.  We shall not be making promises but giving them our commitment,” he said.

He said the party is offering young people a chance to get practical solutions to the nation's problems.

“The youth, who for a large percentage of the population, hasn’t been accorded the opportunity to be in the table to influence policy that matters... Your thoughts, dreams, and plans will decide the direction it takes.”

Responding to criticism that the presidential poll is a two-horse race pitting Azimio la Umoja flagbearer Raila Odinga and Kenya Kwanza Alliance’s Deputy President William Ruto, he criticised his competitors over early campaigns and called for respect for the rule of law.

“Our symbol is a pot because we are cooking great things for Kenya and thank like-minded individuals who have joined us from other parties,” he said.