Popular social media personality Arthur Mandela, better known as Xtian Dela, is convinced he will be a member of the next Kenyan parliament in 2022.
The vlogger announced his political aspirations this past weekend, declaring that he will be the next Member of Parliament for Westlands constituency.
Xtian Dela said he is banking on his social media popularity and the youth to upset the old guard in Kenyan politics.
“I will be the Member of Parliament of Westlands Constituency in 2022. Let’s show them the POWER of Social Media and the power of the YOUTH in Kenya who are TIRED of OLD and USELESS politicians!!!! I BELIEVE WE WILL WIN!!! OUR VOICES MUST BE HEARD!!!!” he stated.
Dela noted he doesn’t have a manifesto yet but said one of his main priorities will be creating jobs and safe spaces for young Kenyans.
“I haven’t started on my Manifesto but one of the main things I MUST do in Westlands is create JOBS and SAFE spaces for young people to be creative and make money!” he added.
Xtian Dela further declared that he wants to be at the forefront of change rather than at the back.
“This country is so messed up that I have to stop my private businesses to help run it. I have decided to be on the fore front of change rather than shout from the back!! I believe true change starts from us…WE ARE THE TRUE CHANGE!” he tweeted.
Unsurprisingly, Kenyans on social media had a lot to say about Dela’s political ambitions. His announcement appeared to draw mixed reactions, with some netizens reminding him that social media popularity does not equate to votes.
A few others were receptive to his plans and offered to support him clinch the Westlands parliamentary seat from Timothy Wanyonyi.
We have sampled some reactions below.
The way Xtian anajichocha pic.twitter.com/xSpta4fQmN
— Joe Macha (@SirJoe_254) May 1, 2021
And I will fuel it for her* for at least one year! ??
— Aspiring Honest millionaire!! (@oriengomathan) May 1, 2021
I’ll replace her* car oil weekly..
— andaye kefa. (@andaye_kefa) May 1, 2021
I will install a sound system in that particular car and five other high end cars of his choosing.
— Trevor Phillips (@trevafill) May 1, 2021
Hata kale kasichana kako petite hakatakupigia kura! pic.twitter.com/dVtwrB76Ii
— O N W O N G ‘ A (@onwonga_69) May 1, 2021
You are the exact opposite of the change we need
— NietzscHER (@wacuka_kiruma) May 1, 2021
— SHANKI? (@ShankiAustine) May 1, 2021
Political seat right now? pic.twitter.com/niDb32qIhX
— DOlenS (@Okushfred) May 1, 2021
Unadhani politics nikutwerk Instagram?
— kɑԵҽղ kҽ (@katen_ke) May 1, 2021
As a resident of westlands …I shall fully support you bro…
We need real and youth leaders for our system— The Kenyan Index (@crazypapah) May 1, 2021
As a resident and a voter of Westland constituency, I will NOT vote for you. Kufungua roho ni mzuri
— Change (@ayodo_change) May 1, 2021
What Change?? ?????You guys joooke alooot! Please stick to promoting naked women
— Siphe Nandi (@nandiThembi) May 1, 2021
Utaanguka tuskie sauti tukiwa Meru??? pic.twitter.com/wclA3tYEPW
— Joe Macha (@SirJoe_254) May 2, 2021
Hizo pesa za campaign afadhali uchape usherati nazo.
— Mbogo ya Múcií (@mbogomelvin) May 2, 2021
Nabadilisha constituency nakuja westie. Xtian to the end na usinyoe dreads
— @i.a.m.k.i.p.r.o.p (@Max0351) May 2, 2021
Kidogo-kidogo club Covid pale bunge featuring all the dishonorable members of parliament smh
— Selassie Souljah (@Ian_Muli93) May 2, 2021
I will vote for any youth who will stand to be an Mp……#OperationFagiaWote
— Edward Kin (@kin_edu) May 2, 2021
Chill bro. The power of social media failed @bonifacemwangi when he last vied. The electorate are never online. Ongea na watu wa nduthi
— Munyasa Dennis ule wa nduthi (@MunyasaDennis) May 2, 2021
It is one thing to get desperate whores to twerk on Instagram at ungodly hours for some loose change; it is something else to get people to vote for you. Men are their history and in these serious streets, they are judged by that.
— Echui (@itsotienomokaya) May 2, 2021
