Kenyan rapper and digital creator Stephen Otieno Adera, widely known as Stivo Simple Boy, has announced his intention to vie for the Member of County Assembly (MCA) position in Kibera during the 2027 General Elections. The announcement, made earlier today, has sparked widespread discussion among fans and residents of Kibera, one of Nairobi’s largest informal settlements.
Stivo, who rose to fame with his 2019 hit song Vijana Tuwache Mihadarati, a track that addressed the dangers of drug abuse, has long been a voice for the youth in marginalized communities. Born in Oyugis, Homa Bay County, and later moving to Kibera, the 35-year-old artist has built a career centered on tackling social issues through his music. Now, he aims to take his activism to the political stage, citing a desire to address the challenges faced by young people in Kibera, particularly the lack of access to bursaries and opportunities.
My decision to join politics is motivated by a desire to uplift the lives of young residents in Kibra,
Stivo said in a statement shared via social media. He pointed to the failure of current leaders to adequately distribute bursaries, a critical need for many families in the area struggling to afford education.
I want to vie for the MCA seat in Kibera in 2027 so that I can distribute bursaries where leaders have failed to do so,
he added.
Stivo’s journey to this point has not been without hardship. The rapper, who began his music career in 2007 and gained prominence after appearing on Ebru TV’s Chipukeezy Show in 2019, has faced numerous challenges, including allegations of exploitation by former managers. In 2022, his new management, Men in Business (MIB), accused his previous team, Made in Kibera (MIK), of misappropriating funds, claiming Stivo once earned KSh 500,000 but never saw a cent of it. Despite these setbacks, Stivo has remained a beloved figure, known for his resilience and commitment to his community. In the same year, he used earnings from a lucrative deal with Odibets to build a house for his parents in his rural hometown, a testament to his focus on giving back.
Earlier this year, on February 17, 2025, Stivo celebrated a personal milestone by purchasing his first car, a Mazda Demio, in partnership with Khushi Motors Kenya. The achievement, which he shared on social media, was met with an outpouring of support from fans who have followed his rise from the streets of Kibera to national recognition. This success, coupled with his recent foray into gospel music collaborations—such as signing and working with upcoming artist Machabe on the song Walmwengu—has further solidified his influence and reach.
However, Stivo’s announcement to run for MCA has raised questions about his readiness for political office. While his intentions to address systemic issues like education funding are clear, some observers wonder whether the rapper has the experience or resources to navigate the complex political landscape of Kibera, where poverty, unemployment, and crime remain persistent challenges. Stivo’s own history of financial struggles, including being evicted from a house in Buruburu in 2024 and returning to Kibera, might resonate with voters who see him as someone who understands their struggles. Yet, his past conflicts with management and public incidents—like collapsing on stage during a TV interview in 2024—could be used by opponents to question his stability.
On the other hand, Stivo’s grassroots appeal and history of advocacy could work in his favor. Named an ambassador for the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) in 2019, he has consistently used his platform to speak out against drug abuse and crime, issues that disproportionately affect Kibera’s youth. His music, including hits like Freshi Barida, has carried a message of hope and resilience, earning him a loyal following. Posts on X today reflect a mix of excitement and curiosity, with many users applauding his intentions while others debate his qualifications for leadership.
As the 2027 elections approach, Stivo Simple Boy’s campaign will likely focus on his connection to Kibera and his vision for empowering the youth. Whether he can translate his popularity as an artist into political success remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Stivo’s journey from a “mjengo guy” in Kibera to a potential MCA candidate is a story of determination that continues to inspire many. For now, the rapper-turned-aspiring politician is calling on his fans to support his new venture, much like they have supported his music over the years.