No money, no influence, no suit. George Nene overcame all obstacles to win the MCA seat for the Elementaita Ward. He believes that leadership comes from God.
Nene, 22, campaigned on a bicycle before a friend offered him a ‘mkokoteni’, a hand cart driven by two donkeys. He credits God for his victory.
Photo: Hassan Kashuqji (Facebook)
“Money is not everything in this life; I was living in squalor and had nothing, but God worked it out for the best. My opponents had the resources necessary to win an election—money, cars, and other assets but the God I worship made it possible for me,” Mr Nene said joyfully.
“My ‘mkokoteni’, which I had equipped with the PA systems and generator and used on my campaign trail, was given to me by a friend. I considered purchasing a car, but I couldn’t afford one.” He added.
The seventh born in a family of eight had a more difficult task than he had anticipated because he had to compete with more seasoned and wealthy politicians who were also interested in the position.
Photos: George Nene (Facebook)
Lack of funding for the campaign added to the mountainous challenge facing the Elementaita ward-born student in his third year at Egerton University.
Being up in a low-income environment were even paying school fees was difficult, he campaigned the entire time while wearing just one shirt.
The MCA-elect said, “I could have already finished my studies if obstacles in raising school fees weren’t present.”
Due to the difficulties, a well-wisher spent Sh25,000 on his first suit and a new pair of shoes, noting that it was the first suit he had worn in a long time.
“I am really appreciative that the residents of Elementaita ward gave me the chance to serve as their MCA. Once I take office, I aim to repay the favor by tackling some of the problems that are prevalent here,” he stated.
Moses Ndung’u, the UDA candidate who served as the majority leader of the Nakuru County Assembly after gaining the seat on a Jubilee ticket in 2017, was defeated by Nene of the Safina Party with 4,310 votes.
Article by Agnes Aboo (@wilfrida_agnes)
