Veteran actor and comedian turned politician MC Jessy, born Jasper Muthomi, has shared the three key reasons that led him to join politics, clarifying that financial gain was not one of them.
The 41-year-old former Churchill Show comedian explained that his decision to run for a parliamentary seat was driven by a desire to address issues affecting his home village and the creative industry. As someone who understands the challenges faced by creatives, he felt compelled to take action.
“The main reason I went into politics was to solve the problems of South Imenti. Several schools in the area need renovation, and I believed I could make a difference as an MP. Security was another concern, but the third reason that motivated me the most was legislation,” MC Jessy explained in a candid conversation with Grammy-winning artist Bien Alusa.
His comments came in response to Bien’s skepticism about his political ambitions. The Sauti Sol band member expressed concern that joining politics could tarnish MC Jessy’s image, given that many see it as a path for those seeking to enrich themselves.
In defense of his decision, Jessy argued, “Having been in the industry for a long time, I gained insight into the problems faced by creatives that often go unaddressed. I wanted to go to Parliament to introduce a Creative Economy Bill, which would create a legal framework to support the sector, including establishing a Creative Economy Council, a dedicated fund, and roles like a Creative Secretary and Director.”
He pointed out that there is currently no legal structure in Kenya to meet the needs of the creative industry.
However, Alusa remained unconvinced, suggesting that Jessy could still achieve these goals without entering politics, through lobbying and advocacy. “Jessy, everything you said can still be done without being an MP. You can lobby for change. But if you enter politics, the system wins, and not the creative industry,” Alusa warned. “You can’t mingle with pigs and not get dirty.”
Despite the differing views, Jessy remained firm in his belief that his political journey was motivated by a desire to improve the country and the creative sector, not by personal gain.
