John Kiarie, popularly known as KJ, is a man of many talents – politician, comedian, advertising guru and cartoonist.
Now a Member of Parliament for Dagoretti South constituency, Kiarie (alongside comedians Nyambane and Tony Njuguna) revolutionised the sketch comedy industry in Kenya with their hit comedy Redykulas, which boldly ridiculed the ruling class
What is not known is that after his mother and brother committed suicide (at different times in his life), he channeled all his pain into art and cartoon drawing, a hobby that earned him his first job and column – Head on Corrishon.
He first got his comedy gig (and subsequent standing ovation) by curtain-raising for hip hop group Kalamashaka as a student at Kenyatta University.
KJ was also a founding partner of the Vijana Tugutuke youth movement, an initiative aimed at getting young Kenyans to engage actively in decision-making.
During the 2007 General Election, he vied for the Dagoretti constituency parliamentary seat, one of the most hotly contested and disputed political zones. KJ was the ODM Youth chairperson. He lost the seat during the party primaries.