Kenyan comedienne Jacky Vike, popularly known as Awinja, has finally put to rest swirling reports that her rising popularity in Western Kenya, fueled by her vibrant ‘Disco Matanga’ shoots, is part of a grand strategy to bolster her vote tally in preparation for a 2027 political bid.
Speaking candidly during an interview with a local radio station on Friday, February 7, 2025, Awinja urged her fans and Kenyans at large to discard the speculation, emphatically stating that politics is the last thing on her mind.
‘Tema hiyo mate! I have zero interest in politics, kabisa kabisa! Sina interest yoyote!’ she declared with conviction.
Awinja sets the record straight
The celebrated comedienne was responding to the radio host’s remarks about her soaring popularity, which has led many to read between the lines, questioning why she frequently makes stops in various towns to interact with people whenever she is traveling home.
Confirming that she has indeed encountered individuals directly questioning her about her increasing visibility, Awinja explained that many suspect her warm and intentional engagement with fans is a strategic move to secure a political seat in 2027.
“Ukiwa Western nakuona kabisa, ukiwa kwa gari pale jamaa wanakusalimia, unashuka, unaungana nao, unasema watu wangu wa Vihiga lazima tusalimiane. Nakuona sana na watu, unajumuika nao sana,” one of the presenters remarked.
“Kweli! Kwanza kuna mtu amenidunga dunga sana akiniambia, “Nakuona hiyo direction unajua ee?”” she responded with a chuckle.
A love for people, not politics
Awinja was quick to set the record straight, affirming that her deep connection with her fans and hometown folks stems from pure affection and not a veiled political agenda.
“No, no, no! Hakuna kitu kama hiyo inakuja. Lakini acha niseme, mimi napenda ku-interact na fans wangu na my hometown people. Unajua hata kama ni village tofauti, wale kwangu ni kama familia,” she clarified passionately.
‘Disco Matanga’ Screening
Awinja, visibly concerned about the persistent rumors, believes that the speculation likely started after she hosted a special screening of her hit series ‘Disco Matanga’ for her villagers and fans in Western Kenya.
She revealed that she and her production team decided to hold the screening in the village because some of the cast members and local fans lack smartphones and, therefore, had no access to YouTube to watch the show.
They felt it was only fair to give them a chance to see their work come to life.
“Nadhani hiyo maneno ilianza wakati tulifanya screening ya “Disco Matanga.” Tumemaliza season one, lakini kuna watu hawana access ya smartphone na vitu kama hizo, ndiyo tukasema acha tuwarudishie pale kijijini waone kazi yao,” she explained.
The turnout, however, far exceeded their expectations.
While they had anticipated a modest crowd of around 200, over 1,000 people showed up, leading to widespread speculation that she was preparing to launch a political campaign.
“Sisi tuliexpect tu watu tuli-act nao ama maybe ikienda sana mia mbili, lakini ilijaa mpaka watu over 1,000! Sasa hapo ndipo watu walianza kuspeculate kwamba mimi nataka kiti. Sitaki!” she declared, dismissing the rumours once and for all.
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