Kenyan political activist Nuru Okanga has announced his intention to contest for the Member of County Assembly (MCA) seat, reportedly revealing that he will use the viral Mercedes convertible associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua as part of his campaign strategy.
Okanga, who is known for his outspoken political commentary and public appearances, allegedly said he plans to leverage the high-profile visibility of the luxury vehicle, which recently attracted attention online, to boost his political profile ahead of the upcoming election period. The Mercedes convertible had earlier gone viral on social media after being linked to Gachagua, drawing significant public interest and debate.
Speaking during a public engagement, Okanga reportedly indicated that the vehicle symbolizes visibility and influence, which he believes will help him reach voters effectively in his ward. He, however, did not provide detailed information on how the vehicle would be formally incorporated into his campaign activities or whether it had been officially availed for political use.
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions among members of the public, with some viewing it as a creative campaign approach while others questioned the appropriateness of using a politically associated luxury vehicle for grassroots campaigning. Critics have also raised concerns over the growing trend of personality-driven and symbolism-based campaigns in local politics.
As of now, there has been no official response from Rigathi Gachagua or his representatives regarding the use of the vehicle in Okanga’s political plans. It also remains unclear whether Okanga has formally declared his MCA bid or submitted his nomination documents to any political party or electoral body.
Political observers note that MCA races are often highly competitive at the grassroots level, and candidates typically rely on community engagement, party structures, and local development agendas rather than high-profile symbolism.