In other countries say Liberia, soccer legends have risen to the presidential levels. Legendary George Weah, the president of Liberia is perfect example of how one can shine in the pitch and in political leadership. Weah played for English Premier League side Manchester city, French side PSG among others and rose to being the best player in the world during his time. He did not shining at the pitch.
He demonstrated patriotism and leadership from the pitch to political positions to ensure that his thirst to see his country grow was deep and he meant to quench it. When names of Kenya’s most celebrated soccer stars were dragged into kibra politics, political world and social media was buzzing with all sorts of comments. Denis Oliech was rumored to be eying the ODM ticket to replace the late Ken Okoth. Mac Donald Mariga was rumored to be in the Jubilee list but it was later established that none of the stars was gearing to jump into political waters.
But what even if they were actually vying or one of them vying? there are former athletes and entertainers who have made into elective position, the public itself still does not take entertainers and sportsmen seriously. Kenya still, has not recognized sports as an industry that can produce leaders in the society. Oliech’s candidature would be viable given the political landscape of Kibra and the usual tribal nature of our politics. His candidature would sail through or build him for future elections. Mariga would play a ‘spoiler’ or just another big name gambling for fame where Oliech steps his foot.
Former AFC Leopards star Dan Shikanda has vied for Makadara Parliamentary seat without success, he also vied for the position of deputy governor for Nairobi with Peter Keneth to no success. He says the country still has not grown to appreciate sports as a serious industry that can produce leadership but there is still hope for the future.
Jumping into political waters would be a blessing for a guy like Oliech who recently had his two year contract with Gor Mahia terminated. Oliech was a free agent and jobless amid whispers that the former skipper was going broke and his financial status got worse after the mother’s demise. Mariga is not really attached to any club and is more visible as modeling doing ads than talented midfielder he was.
Talks of former stars and sports legends going broke is one tale no one takes politely. It traumatizes, Oliech turning for Gor Mahia was viewed as a blessing in disguise. It opened doors for the star who is now just a shell of the sharp striker he was but he managed to rewrite history scoring goals upon his return to the pitch. He was our ‘Tiger Woods’, the world accepted his return to winning trends. Stories of being kicked out of the house, going seriously broke would not be a talk anymore.
It also provided a perfect opportunity for the political to tap and nurture new leadership but that did not ring a bell to party leaders. In fact parties like ODM have raised the fees aspirants must pay to the party before vying. It goes at 270,000 in ODM. An exercise that should replace the fallen young leader like the late Hon. Ken Okoth should be one that inspires the youth. The squabbles about direct nomination or considering the family of the late must always be lined with a jewel that will shine on behalf of the Kibra youth. Future elections should consider young people and retiring sportsmen and women crossing to serve the country leadership positions in different fields.
