As Mwangi seeks to represent his old neighborhood of Starehe he has created his own political party called Ukweli, or Truth, out of frustration with both Kenya’s government and opposition.
His party’s symbol is the sugar cane, which the party website says is meant to represent “the sweet taste of freedom and the fruits of their labor.” He has support from some other Kenyan human rights activists and non-governmental organizations.
It is unclear how Mwangi and his party will perform in the election as newcomers on the political scene. Most Kenyans vote according to tribal alliances, and new parties haven’t fared well in the past.
Bribery of voters is common in Kenyan elections, but Mwangi has vowed not to do it. This week, he handed out fake currency instead with the words “clean politics” printed on it.
He faces stiff competition from popular musician Charles Njagua and Steve Mbogo, who claims to be a successful businessman. All are in their early thirties or late twenties and are fresh faces in politics.
Analysts said Mwangi’s approach, if successful, is a hopeful sign that Kenyan politics can change.
“Mwangi may represent a new kind of politics, asking voters to fund his campaign and running on a radical anti-corruption platform,” said Murithi Mutiga, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group. “We don’t have a view on who will win but it’s a hopeful sign. This may signify a change, Kenyan politics which is very ethicized and conflict-ridden, in the way it’s practiced.”
Mwangi says his goal is to make a difference.
“I am tired of bad leadership,” he said. “I am running because I want to make Kenya better.”
Shortly before the election, Mwangi used a boxing match in his old neighborhood to woo voters. While amateur boxers swung punches at one another, Mwangi stepped into the ring.
“I will fight for you because nobody else will and because I am fearless,” he said.
Amateur boxer Peter Onyango said Mwangi seems to be the only politician who cares about people like him.
“The other politicians just want our vote. Then when they’ve been elected they forget about us,” Onyango said.
(Associated Press writer Tom Odula in Nairobi, Kenya contributed.)
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