Harambee Stars forward Masoud Juma declares Isiolo North parliamentary bid

Harambee Stars striker Masoud Juma has officially announced his bid for the Isiolo North parliamentary seat in the upcoming 2027 General Election.

The seasoned forward, who recently completed a high-profile transfer to Lebanese giants Nejmeh SC, is set to juggle his professional football career with his political aspirations, a rare feat for a Kenyan athlete.

Juma's entry into politics is not just a high-profile announcement; it is a meticulously crafted campaign centered around a six-point agenda for the people of Isiolo North, as outlined in his campaign materials.

The manifesto, titled "From the pitch to Parliament-together, we can score a better future for Isiolo North," focuses on key areas of development and governance.

Born and raised in Isiolo, the 29-year-old striker has had playing stints at Bandari FC, Sony Sugar, Kariobangi Sharks in Kenya and has also plied his tools of trade at Cape Town City, Dibba Al Fujairah, Al- Fiasaly and also had some play time in Iran for Esteghlal FC before joining Migori youth where he was able to feature for the national team during the concluded CHAN tournament.

The news comes as Juma joins forces with his national teammate Teddy Akumu at Nejmeh SC, marking a new chapter in his career both on and off the field.

Juma's campaign focuses on empowering youth and driving community development in Isiolo North.

As a former athlete, he pledges to provide skills training, jobs, and entrepreneurship support for young people. He also emphasizes better infrastructure, including hospitals, roads, clean water, and electricity, to meet basic community needs.

He joins the list of sports personalities who have thrown their hats into the murky waters of politics.

In 2019, Mariga made a debut in Kenya's politics after announcing plans to contest for a parliamentary seat in a by-election in one of the constituencies (Kibra). He was nominated by the Jubilee Party as its flag bearer in the Kibra by-election.

Dan Shikanda, a former footballer for AFC Leopards, Gor Mahia, and the Harambee Stars, built his political foundation on his sports career.

Trained as a medical doctor, he entered politics in 1997, unsuccessfully contesting the Makadara MP seat, and later served as Peter Kenneth's running mate in the 2017 presidential elections.