How 22-year-old MCA-elect used donkeys to campaign

George Nene, a 22-year-old varsity student at Elementaita University, defied all odds to become Elementaita MCA.

Nene garnered 4,310 votes to floor Nakuru County Assembly's Majority Leader Moses Ndung'u and UDA candidate Moses Ndung’u. 

The Safina party candidate who comes from a humble background used donkeys to campaign while his competitors used big cars and flaunted money to woo supporters.

He would go about his campaigns traversing the region while riding on donkeys and even bicycles.

Nene would compete with big names in the political field who were well endorsed and had a previous political record.

His humble background saw him struggle with fees and this would keep him out of school. This, however, fuelled him to contest for the seat in order to help his community.

"I was born in Ngecha, Elementaita ward, Nakuru County and I was drawn to the position because I wanted to address some of the problems facing area residents which I have experienced first-hand," Nene told Citizen Digital in an interview on Thursday.

According to Nene, some of the issues affecting the area include shortage of water, poor roads, understocked hospitals and misappropriation of funds set aside for the less fortunate in the country.

His zeal and determination caught the attention of the people of Elementaita who went out of their way to support his vision.

A friend of his gave him a donkey and a cart to use on the campaign trail.

"Another of my acquaintances gave me his "mkokoteni", which I fitted with the PA systems and generator which I used on the campaign trail.  I thought about getting a vehicle but I couldn't afford one."

With this aid, Nene was able to reach out to most of his supporters winning their confidence and in turn, they voted for him.

"I am very grateful to the people of Elementaita ward for giving me the opportunity to represent them as MCA," said Nene .