Social media has taken over as the preferred mode of interaction between leaders, celebrities, and their squadron of fans.
By sharing morsel of their work, fashion, and a dose of their daily lives, the stars have connected with their adoring fans and can bypass traditional media in communicating with them.
Here are some of the most popular Kenyan celebs on Twitter. The list is dominated by TV news personalities and musicians. The film, sports, and comedy stars have also sneaked in!
William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto)- 5.1 M followers
He was declared the 5th president of Kenya and the Kenya Kwanza Party Leader. He is the former Deputy President. Well known for his Political crushes on his former Boss, which gained him more followers. He also gained popularity for his Political slogans #Husler and Bottom Up.
Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga)- 3.8million followers
Raila Azimio Party leader has 3.8 Million followers and also follows 3,955 people. Odinga has made history for nominating the first female as his Deputy. He has the hearts of Kenya for his dedication to the country and has fought for independence. The former Prime Minister is an Arsenal fan and a Gor Mahia die-hard fan.
Larry Madowo (@LarryMadowo)- 2.3M followers
Another TV man cuts the top 20. The anomalous CNN International Correspondent based in Kenya and a former NTV talk show host #The Trend is also quite popular on the Twitter streets. He is loved and loathed in equal measure.
Jeff Koinange, MBS (@KoinangeJeff)- 2.1M followers
The flamboyant confessed Classin Man sits atop of the most followed Kenyan celebrities with 2.1M followers. The former CNN and K24 newsman hosts his show Jeff Koinange Live (JKL) and is quite an outgoing and loud fella!
Mutai Ngunyi (@MutahiNgunyi)- 2M followers
He is unapologetically afro-centric. ” A believer in the CROSS and the CLOCK.” He is a political analyst and a Raila Odinga supporter.
Lupita Nyong’o (@LupitaNyongo)- 1.9M followers
12 Years A Slave was not in vain. The Oscar winner has 1.9M fans on Twitter and counting. Lupita’s rise to stardom has been steady since the days she would hustle for a role in stage plays at the then dilapidated Kenyan National Theatre. Her star is now shining bright and high in the corridors of Hollywood!
Dennis Itumbi, HSC (@OleItumbi)- 1.8M followers
He is the Hustler Nation Spokesman. Public communication & Digital Strategist Journalist. He is known for his updated tweets.
Mike Sonko (@MikeSonko) – 1.9M followers
Mike Sonko is the former Nairobi governor. He is known for his Charity toward needy Kenyans no matter their ethnicity. He’s an excellent example of a non-tribolic leader. He’s known for keeping malicious phone conversations as evidence
Ahmednasir Abdullahi SC (@ahmednasirlaw)- 1.8M followers
He is a constitutional lawyer, senior counselor, and the Nairobi Law Monthly Publisher.
The People’s Watchman (@bonifacemwangi)- 1.8M followers
He is a Kenyan photojournalist, Politician, and activist involved in social-political activism. He is known for his images of the post-election violence that hit Kenya in 2007 and 2008.
Martha Karua SC (@MarthaKarua)- 1.4 Million followers
She is the first Deputy lady Presidential candidate in Kenya fabricating history in Kenya. She’s the second in command in the Azimio Party. She is following 486 people and is known as an iron lady ready to lead Kenyans in fighting corruption.
Mohammed Ali, HSC (@MohajichoPevu)- 1.4M followers
The Nyali MP and an Investigative Journalist. He gained his followers via Investigative Journalistic presentations that unearthed the truth about the Kenyans i.e Hidden crime cases.
Governor Hassan Joho (@HassanAliJoho)- 1.4M followers
He’s the former Mombasa County governor. Mr. Joho is known for his love for music with his moves stealing the show. He’s known for his loyal support for Raila Odinga aka Baba.
Betty Kyallo (@BettyMKyallo)- 1.2M followers
Betty Kyallo is the CEO at ”Flair By Betty” and a journalist by profession. Betty believes in Positive energy and lives life unapologetically. She owns the #KYALLOKULTURE reality show alongside her sisters, Mercy, and Gloria. She is afraid of Poverty.
Julie Gichuru (@JulieGichuru)- 1.3M followers
Remember the ululation during the GES 2015 summit at Gigiri as Presidents Uhuru Kenyatta and Barack Obama strode onto the stage? Yes! Julie’s African welcome antics proved that she is quite a charm off the TV screen. She hosts Sunday Night Live on Citizen TV. She is known for her empathetic interviewing skills.
Dr Willy M Mutunga, Chief Justice, Kenya (2011-16)(@WMutunga)- 1.2M followers
He was appointed to the supreme court of Kenya on 22nd June, 2011. He played a pivotal role in the constitution-making process in Kenya in the early 90’s.
SAUTI SOL (@SautiSol)- 1M followers
When you give a performance and you are joined on the stage by two presidents, one of them the leader of the most powerful nation on earth, you must be popular too online. The most successful boy band is also one of the best-followed music bands in the region.
Churchill (@MwalimuChurchill)- 970K followers
He’s a comedian, Actor, Radio Host, and Churchill Show CEO. Daniel Ndambuki is known for nurturing and promoting upcoming comedians via his show. Churchill gained fame due to his TV show that brought laughter to all Kenyans.
Carol Radull (@CarolRadull)- 929K followers
Sports lovers, know why this ever-smiling lady is a spark. She hosts a sports show on Kiss and Classic FMs on weekends. Carol has also hosted various football shows on the pan-African TV channel SuperSport. Witty and full of life, she knows her sports very well.
John-Allan Namu (@johnallannamu)- 987K followers
John-Allan Namu is known for his investigative journalism exposing deep-seated corruption in and out of the country, extra-judicial killings, and other ills that continue to bedevil our country.