Controversial Kenyan blogger Robert Alai has made his political ambitions known to the public by declaring his interest to vie for a parliamentary seat in the forthcoming 2022 general elections.
Speaking during an interview with Radio Maisha’s show
dubbed “ Hot Seat” the blogger said his decision was influenced
by voter’s wishes in the Nyando region in Nyanza.
“I am going to view for the Nyando MP seat in the coming
elections,” said Alai, adding that running for public office is for “service
and not greed.”
Speaking on why he ventured into blogging as a career
option, Alai said he is a blogger due to life’s circumstances other than choice.
“I don’t get paid
(for exposes). I have done a lot of free work and I think it’s time they
started paying. I have made names for people but I didn’t see a need to charge
them. I’m not a blogger, I’m a computer scientist- I only write because I have
an opinion,” he told the radio hosts.
Speaking in his Head of State Commendation awarded to him by
the president, the controversial journalist insisted that he never paid for it
and his accolade was long overdue.
“I’m not elected but I influence society. Whether it’s
positive or negative, it depends on who you ask. We have saved and changed
lives. Haters started talking trash simply because I was awarded alongside
Githeriman,” said Alai, revealing that the Head of State Commendation
title only comes with a medal and letter from the president and no monetary
awards.