Journalists eye 2027 as more swap their pens for the ballot 

In many democracies across the globe, the line between journalism and politics has been bridged many times.

A growing number of journalists are swapping their pens for the ballot, turning their years in the newsroom into a springboard for political ambition. 

From former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson—once a reporter, columnist, and editor for conservative publications—to the late David Sassoli, former President of the European Parliament and a former Italian television journalist, the list is long and growing.  

Others include Canada’s former Liberal Party leader Michael Ignatieff and India’s former Minister for External Affairs Mobasher Jawed Akbar, both respected journalists-turned-politicians.

Near home, retired Tanzanian President Benjamin Mkapa dropped his pen and notebook to be a politician. 

Now, that trend is increasingly being replicated back home in Kenya. As the country inches closer to the 2027 General Election, a new crop of journalists is stepping out of the Fourth Estate to test the political waters.  

Among them is Charles Mghenyi, a 32-year-old journalist who has declared his bid for the Mombasa Senate seat, setting tongues wagging in both media and political circles.

Having cut his teeth in journalism through years of civic reporting and unflinching focus on local governance, Mghenyi’s move marks a dramatic shift, from telling the story to becoming part of it. 

He believes his experience has offered him a front row view of systemic gaps in public service. 

Opening doors 

“I’ve used my pen to highlight failures in governance and amplify the voices of ordinary citizens. But it’s no longer enough to report—I want to fix what’s broken,” he says. 

Friends and supporters say Mghenyi’s ambition is deeply personal, shaped by his own experience growing up in poverty and neglect. 

“He understands what it means to be invisible in the eyes of the government,” says Bernard Owuoth, a youth leader from Mkomani.  

Mghenyi, who is well known in Mombasa’s youth circles for his mentorship programmes and civic engagement initiatives, says he wants to offer an alternative style of leadership, one that is accessible and grounded in the community. 

“I don’t want to be a senator who’s locked behind high gates. I want to walk the streets, speak with mama mbogas, sit down with youth groups, and listen to community elders. That’s what leadership should look like,” he says. 

His campaign promises to champion legislation that will spur job creation through technology and the creative economy, reform healthcare, and ensure public funds are used with integrity. 

“People often think senators are limited to legislation and oversight—but I believe we can use that platform to open doors for development at the grassroots,” he says.  

For Mghenyi, journalism has been more than just a career. It has also been his training ground for public service. 

“I’ve sat through budget hearings, interviewed governors, covered Senate proceedings, and exposed corruption. I know how the system works, and how to challenge it for the people’s benefit,” he says. 

And he’s not alone. In Nyali, another journalist, Elkana Jacob, has thrown his hat in the ring to contest the parliamentary seat currently held by former investigative reporter-turned-MP, Mohammed Ali.  

With Ali announcing plans to run for Mombasa governor, the race to succeed him is already shaping up— and Jacob is keen to ride the winds of change. 

“This election will be about ideas, not political history,” he says, adding that voters are now more aware, more assertive, and hungry for change.  

Jacob has already begun meeting youth groups across Nyali, seeking to empower them with job skills and entrepreneurship opportunities.

He envisions Nyali as a thriving tourism and innovation hub driven by progressive leadership. 

Meanwhile, in Kinango, a youthful voice is also rising. Sweleh Chirao Hamisi, a 31-year-old radio presenter popularly known as Mjukuu wa Chirao, has announced his bid for the Member of County Assembly seat. 

A popular voice on Msenangu FM, Chirao says his motivation stems from years of watching youth issues being sidelined by ageing politicians. 

“The Gen Z protests were a wakeup call,” he says. “Young people are tired of empty promises and handouts every five years. We want real change.” 

Chirao’s agenda is focused on economic empowerment, talent development, and infrastructure. He paints a grim picture of the current state of Kinango. 

“This town shuts down by 9 pm because there are no security lights. There’s no water at Kinango Hospital—even though Marere Springs, one of the Coast’s main water sources, is just nearby. It doesn’t make sense,” he says. 

He vows to rally youth and development partners to rewrite the narrative and push Kinango towards a 24-hour economy. 

‘Celeb’ candidates 

A recent research paper titled ‘When Journalists Run for Office: The Effects of Journalist-Candidates on Citizens’ Populist Attitudes and Voting Intentions’, published by the International Journal of Communications, holds that as politics and journalism get increasingly intertwined with celebrity culture, high-profile journalists sometimes become celebrities. 

“Celebrity journalists take advantage of high name recognition among the public, friendly relationships with news organisations, and strong communication skills—all qualities that should elicit positive voter responses. Hence, citizens should become more likely to vote for parties that field high-profile journalists when they are made aware of this fact,” states the study led by Professor in Future Governance, Public Policy and Technology at the University of Edinburgh Cristian Vaccari 

With 2027 approaching, journalist-turned-politicians are convinced that they are not just seeking power but bringing a new lens to leadership, one honed in truth-seeking, public accountability, and community engagement. 

From the newsroom to the campaign trail, the scribes are betting that their storytelling instincts and civic consciousness will resonate with voters yearning for fresh, people-centred leadership. 

It remains to be seen whether their gamble pays off at the ballot, but according to the journalists, their resolve is clear that the pen is no longer just mightier than the sword—it may well be the new ticket to power. 

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