By Our Correspondent
The Atheists in Kenya Society has questioned the timing of comedian Wilson Muirani Gathoni, popularly known as Jaymo Yule Msee, public conversion to Islam, describing it as politically motivated ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In a press statement, the lobby group said the announcement comes at a time of early political realignments and should be viewed within that context.
The organisation acknowledged the constitutional right to freedom of religion but argued that the move appeared calculated for electoral advantage rather than personal conviction.
“This is a classic case of the instrumentalization of religion for electoral gain,” the society’s president Harrison Mumia said.
The group cited Article 8 of the Constitution, which establishes Kenya as a secular state, warning against the use of religious identity or public displays of faith to appeal to specific voting blocs.
According to the statement, political leadership should be anchored on ideas, integrity and policy proposals, rather than religious affiliation.
Responding to the claims, Jaymo described his conversion as a deeply personal journey that has brought healing, purpose and spiritual fulfilment, saying he was “faithfully and happily serving Allah.”
“To those asking. My new Islam faith has healed me because my Muslim brothers held my hand and walked with me into my healing, rejuvenating and aligning with my purpose,” he stated.
Jaymo first rose to national attention through comedy skits, radio hosting and opinion-driven content that blended humour with commentary on everyday Kenyan issues, building a large following on social media.
He holds a degree in Political Science and Economics from the University of Nairobi, a background that has shaped his engagement with national political discourse.
In June 2022, Jaymo’s involvement in politics became official when Roots Party presidential candidate George Wajackoyah appointed him spokesperson and Head of Media during the general election campaign.
Jaymo later said his affiliation with the Roots Party affected his commercial relationships, with some brands distancing themselves due to the party’s controversial positions, leaving him with little or no income from brand partnerships during that period.
In early December, he declared his intention to run for the Nairobi senatorial seat in 2027, setting the stage for a watched race. He said the capital must be freed from tribal politics and rebuilt through innovation, leadership, and oversight.
“Many people get confused by the Senator Sifuna’s ‘educated noise’, mistaking it for ‘intelligent’ vocal representation. Behind it is a power-hungry individual blinded by imaginary political ambitions at the expense of Nairobi’s success,” Jaymo wrote in a Facebook post.