Reuben Kigame Declares Fresh Bid for Presidency, Calls for a “Disruptive Leadership” in Kenya

 

 Presidential aspirant, gospel musician, and activist Reuben Kigame has announced a renewed bid for the country’s top seat, pledging a radical shift in Kenya’s governance and declaring that “Kenya is ripe for a blind president.” Speaking during a live interview on Citizen TV, Kigame outlined his vision for a people-centered presidency that would challenge corruption, lower the burden of taxation, and empower ordinary citizens.

“If sight could fix the problems of Kenya, we have had five seeing presidents and we still have problems. In fact, haya macho yanaweza kuwa ndio shida, you people see too much. I want to prove to the world what Shakespeare wrote—that a man may see how this world goes without eyes. I believe Kenya is ripe for a blind president,” Kigame said, earning applause from part of the audience.

Kigame, who ran as an independent candidate in the 2022 general election but was later blocked from the ballot on technical grounds, insisted that he will not repeat the same mistake. “Last election, I ran as an independent candidate. This time around I will not try that thing again. I will announce the political party that I will run on pretty soon. We are going to put up a very serious people-centered campaign,” he revealed.

Criticism of Ruto’s Government

The gospel singer did not shy away from criticizing President William Ruto’s administration, particularly on matters of governance and resource allocation. He faulted the head of state’s plan to construct a church at State House, arguing that it undermines both policy and faith.

“In principle, it is wrong, economically it is wrong, in terms of policy it is wrong, and in Christianity itself it is wrong because the president is not the bishop of a country and State House is not the religious centre of a country. The Sh1.2 billion, whether taxes or donations, should be used to meet real felt needs like supporting our young people,” Kigame stated.

He also accused the Kenya Kwanza government of betraying Kenyans through increased taxation, failure to fight corruption, and police brutality during anti-government protests. “Mr. President, I would allow you to continue being president if you keep your promises, if you deal with graft, if you repent for killing our children, and if you lower taxes,” Kigame declared.

Funding His Campaign

On financing his bid, Kigame emphasized transparency, announcing that his campaign will rely on contributions from ordinary Kenyans and well-wishers. “I am going to finance my campaign through your contributions. I have friends who are helping me and I hope that they continue to do that. People think that to get campaign money, you have to do drugs, you have to lie and steal. I don’t want any of that money if I know the source is wrong,” he said.

He dismissed the belief that only billionaires can contest for the presidency, stressing that genuine leadership must be supported by citizens themselves.

Net Worth and Tax Dispute

Kigame also spoke candidly about his personal wealth, saying he lives a modest life compared to most political figures. “I have a house that is worth maybe Sh30 million, I have a car that is worth like Sh3 million. I have clothes, a music system, and computers. I don’t think that if you put everything together you would get to more than Sh50 or Sh60 million. Because I live off royalties, after I filed the case against our security bosses, the next day, KRA was knocking, saying that I sold a house that I never sold. They claimed I owe the government Sh20 million, which I don’t,” Kigame explained.

A Disruptive Presidency

The presidential hopeful pledged that his leadership would radically transform the political landscape. “My presidency will be disruptive; I am a radical disruptor. We want to change the way politics and leadership in Kenya has been for a long time. From when Kenya became a nation, the presidency has oscillated between the Kikuyu and the Kalenjin. I want to disrupt that,” he said.

Kigame framed his vision around three central pillars: Bomoa Ufisadi (Dismantle Corruption), Tekeleza Katiba (Implement the Constitution), and Jenga Mkenya (Build and empower individual citizens). He said these would form the cornerstone of his presidency.

Building Alliances and Past Struggles

The singer-politician named reformist leaders and activists he hopes to work with, including former Chief Justice David Maraga, Senator Okiya Omtatah, and activist Boniface Mwangi. He also acknowledged his longstanding friendship with Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, though he criticized Musyoka’s role in the NADCO bipartisan talks.

“Maraga is a good man; we have had some conversations. I hope that he is one of those, together with Okiya Omtatah and Boniface Mwangi, who will come to the table. I hope they will come knowing that I ran in 2022, and they would have to tell me what is wrong with my policies. Many people look at my visual handicap and say I should be the one supporting others. I ask, why not the other way around?” he posed.

Music and Social Justice

Reflecting on his journey as a musician and activist, Kigame recalled his years of composing songs that spoke truth to power during Kenya’s turbulent 1990s. “There was not just the multiparty democracy. I would come from Mary Hill and attend the Kamukunji rallies, listen to Shikuku and Matiba. Maybe this is one of the times I wrote so many social justice songs. We are singing truth to power, but the question is, who is listening? Maybe the time has come to move beyond singing and run for office,” he said.

Kigame added that music will continue to be part of his political identity. “I am still vying and I am still singing. I want to be your next singing president. I am singing my way into State House by reminding people: Niko tayari kulipa gharama, sitasimama maovu yakitawala,” he concluded.

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