Exclusive: Inside Sammy Gito's political aspirations

Nakuru’s top entertainment manager, Samuel Gitonga, alias Sammy Gito, has now ventured into politics, expressing his intention to run for the Menengai Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) seat in 2027.

Gito, who took to the Meta app Facebook, shared his ambition to take over the ward’s leadership, currently held by Wilson Mwangi, alias WA Jeff.

“Today, I stand before you not just as a fellow resident but as a servant ready to champion our collective vision for progress, empowerment, and transformation. With great humility and determination, I announce my candidacy for Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Menengai Ward,” reads part of his statement announcing his bid for the seat.

Mtaa Wangu caught up with Gito to understand his switch from entertainment to politics.

In the interview, he emphasizes that he is not leaving the entertainment scene but is instead taking on an additional responsibility to serve Nakuru residents in his ward.

He was quick to clarify that his political aspirations were not recent but something nurtured since his early school days.

“I love politics, and I discovered my leadership skills back in high school. Then, I served as a school captain at St. Luke’s Boys and Anestar Boys. Fast forward to university, I was in the school council under the Entertainment and Social Welfare docket,” he explains.

A Business Information Technology graduate from Mt. Kenya University, Gito says he actively joined Nakuru's political scene during the devolution era, where he played a critical campaign role for Nakuru’s first Governor, Kinuthia Mbugua.

As a student, he was involved in mobilizing youth votes in Nakuru, which contributed significantly to Mbugua’s win.

The Switch Concept CEO, reveals that this is not his first time considering a leadership position in Menengai Ward.

In 2022, he had expressed interest in running for the same seat but decided to step back due to personal commitments, as he had just gotten married.

“It became hard for me to balance the dynamics of politics and being newly married. Both needed my undivided attention. I chose to hold off my interest in running for the MCA seat for the sake of my family. I believed God’s timing is the best, and at the appointed time, I will serve the people of Menengai Ward,” he remarks.

When asked whether politics is a retirement plan for him, the 34-year-old clarified that he has a long way to go before retiring.

He highlights that he is entering politics at a time when the youth are playing a revolutionary role in the country.

Gito emphasizes the importance of young people taking up leadership roles and being the voices and implementers of the change they seek.

“Having been on the front line in the Gen Z protests, I know we (the youth) have what it takes to make this country, county, and ward a better place. Also, as a church leader, I have witnessed the power of the church and its potential to address issues affecting citizens. I believe I have what it takes to make Menengai ward a better community than my predecessors if given the chance to serve,” he says.

Gito concludes by saying he draws a lot of inspiration from his grandfather, whom he described as a politics fanatic. He adds that he has learnt a lot about servant leadership from him.