Jaguar Gives Credit To Raila For Endorsing His Rise To Fame

Musician and former Starehe MP Jaguar has credited his meteoric rise to fame to a single endorsement by prominent Kenyan politician Raila Odinga. During an interview on Kameme FM, Jaguar recounted how his hit song “Kigeugeu” caught the attention of Odinga, then a rising political leader.

Jaguar, still at the beginning of his musical career, released “Kigeugeu” in the early 2010s. The song quickly gained traction, but it was Raila’s endorsement that truly catapulted him to national fame.

“After releasing ‘Kigeugeu’, Raila called me to his office and told me he was a big fan,” recalled Jaguar. “Later, on his interview with Churchill Show, the host asked him to mention his favorite singer and song. Raila surprised me by saying I was his favorite artist and ‘Kigeugeu’ was his top truck at the time.”

This public praise from a respected figure like Odinga instantly boosted Jaguar’s popularity. “After the mention,” he said, “I went viral. My phone was ringing off the hook with people booking me for shows. ‘Kigeugeu’ became an instant hit.”

Despite the significant influence Odinga’s endorsement had on his career, Jaguar’s political loyalties shifted over time. He eventually joined forces with Odinga’s rival, Uhuru Kenyatta, during the 2013 general election. This new alliance led him to a successful campaign for the Starehe MP seat in 2017.

In 2022, Jaguar opted out of the political arena and was instead appointed to the Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) position, a decision that faced legal challenges.

Jaguar’s story reflects the significant impact that endorsements from influential figures can have on aspiring artists. His journey from a budding musician to a household name highlights the power of recognition and support from established individuals.