As Kenya’s two top presidential candidates jostle for votes in the upcoming election, a third candidate has popped up in the campaign for cannabis and hyena testicles to help tackle the issues. economy of the country.
East Africa’s wealthiest nation is holding an election on August 9, with veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga and vice president William Ruto leading a tight race.
However, George Wajackoyah, a fan of reggae, has emerged as a wildcard candidate who has promised to clear the country’s debt with his “ganja solution”.
Mr Wajackoyah has appealed to younger members of the electorate, with many arguing that traditional politicians have failed to tackle corruption, inflation and unemployment.
The gravedigger law professor got about 2% of the vote, but could have a say in the election if he endorsed one of the leaders or took votes from another.
During his campaign test, he promised to wipe out Kenya’s nearly $70 billion (£57.9 billion) debt by establishing a medical marijuana industry and exporting it. He exports animal parts to China, where he says that hyena testicles are considered a delicacy.
“I created a new tribe, called the ganja tribe,” he said, explaining his popularity.
“These (politicians), they have helicopters, they have money, they painted cars. I don’t even have a poster.”
He has attracted the attention of young voters who feel disenfranchised by long-standing politicians.
‘ganja solution’
Mr. Wajackoyah is a well-known figure in Nairobi’s club scene, and local media coverage of his presidential run has led to speculation that he is supported by a larger campaign to trying to get the youth vote.
However, he denied these rumors and said that he had turned down offers of cash support from the candidates.
Instead, he dreamed of smoking marijuana in the presidential office.
62-year-old man speaks in
wood paneled office, use mops and listen to Hare Krishna prayer.
Other policies in his manifesto ranged from federalizing the government and renegotiating Kenya’s debt to China to hanging people convicted of corruption.
“We came up with a ganja solution,” he said.
Low budget campaign trial
The wildcard candidate is running on the tightest budget, with supporters creating homemade posters featuring his snow-white beard and the slogan “5th Wajackoya”, a reference to the effort. his to become the fifth president of Kenya.
“If I showed you how much money I had, you would laugh,” he said.
Because of his budget, his rallies involve his going to unannounced markets, blasting reggae music from his car, and advertising his candidacy to onlookers.
Currently, he is voting with about 2% of the vote, far ahead of the top two
On Wednesday, Mr Wajakoyah’s convoy arrived in Gatundu, about 30 kilometers north of the capital, where a crowd of about 400 people gathered.
Jeff Mwangi, a laborer, said: “Every election cycle, people come here with their propaganda.
“If this man can do what he really says … we will go very far as a country.”
