Ex-Citizen TV Journalist Salim Swaleh Declares Bid for Gilgil MP Seat in 2027 Race
Former Citizen TV and NTV Swahili news anchor Salim Swaleh has officially announced his intention to contest the Gilgil parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election, marking a dramatic return to public life nearly two years after his exit from government service amid a high-profile graft scandal.
Swaleh made the declaration during the burial ceremony of one of the victims of the recent Utumishi Girls fire tragedy in Gilgil, telling mourners that he had heeded calls from local residents urging him to seek elective office and champion development in the constituency.
The veteran journalist said his decision was inspired by repeated appeals from Gilgil residents who believe his extensive networks and experience in both media and public service could help transform the area.
“I have the voice of Gilgil people who have told me to come home,” Swaleh said.
“I have made friends during my time in the media and in public service, and they have asked me to bring them here for development.”
He added: “For that reason, I will be vying for the Gilgil constituency seat in the next General Election. But because today is not a day for politics, I will come back later for a forum where we will discuss the kind of Gilgil we want to build together.”
While formally declaring his interest in the parliamentary race, Swaleh stopped short of revealing the political party he intends to use or whether he will seek the seat as an independent candidate.
Return to the Political Arena
The announcement thrusts Swaleh back into the national spotlight after a turbulent period that saw him leave government under controversial circumstances.
Following his successful career in broadcast journalism at Citizen TV and NTV, Swaleh joined the Office of Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi as Press Secretary in 2022.
However, his tenure came to an abrupt end in 2024 after he was arrested alongside other officials over allegations of facilitating fraudulent dealings within government offices.
In a statement issued by the Prime Cabinet Secretary’s office on June 23, 2024, authorities alleged that fraudsters had been operating from offices linked to some of the arrested officials.
“Those arrested include Salim Swaleh, Director of OPCS Press Service, in whose office the swindlers were found nested with fake door switch-nametags,” the statement said.
The office further alleged that some officials had developed elaborate schemes aimed at deceiving unsuspecting victims, including switching office door nameplates to create the impression that fraudulent operations were being conducted from legitimate government offices.
Following the arrest, Swaleh was suspended and later charged with criminal offences. The former broadcaster subsequently made a public appeal for forgiveness and employment opportunities, urging Mudavadi and other leaders to give him a second chance.
Since then, little has been publicly known about his activities, with updates on his legal battles and professional future remaining scarce.
Tough Political Battle Ahead
Swaleh’s entry into the race is expected to intensify political competition in Gilgil, where incumbent MP Martha Wangari is widely expected to defend her seat.
Political observers say the former journalist’s name recognition, built over years on national television, could make him a formidable challenger despite questions likely to arise over his past controversies.
His announcement also reflects a growing trend of prominent media personalities seeking elective positions ahead of the 2027 polls.
Several journalists and broadcasters have either hinted at or openly declared political ambitions, including Radio Citizen presenter Tina Ogal, Citizen TV personalities Lulu Hassan and Mwanahamisi Hamadi, as well as media personality Willis Raburu.
With the election still more than a year away, Swaleh’s declaration signals the beginning of what could become one of Gilgil’s most closely watched parliamentary contests.
Also Read: Fuel Prices Could Fall Further by August if Middle East Stability Holds, Says Wandayi