Kenyan international footballer Masoud Juma has swapped the roar of the stadium for the buzz of political rallies, declaring his intention to contest the Isiolo North parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election.
The Harambee Stars striker, currently plying his trade with Nejmeh SC in Lebanon, says he is ready to step off the pitch and into parliament with a promise to transform his home constituency.
“From the pitch to parliament, together we can score a better future for Isiolo North,” Juma declared in a statement that has since gained traction online.
Juma unveiled a six-point agenda that he hopes will redefine leadership in Isiolo North. At the heart of his manifesto is youth empowerment, a theme that resonates strongly given his football journey from grassroots leagues to international arenas. He promises to channel resources toward skills training, entrepreneurship programs, and job creation.
Infrastructure development is also central to his campaign. Roads, electricity, and clean water, he insists, remain the backbone of any functional society. He has pledged to lobby for greater government investment in Isiolo, a region he says has been “historically sidelined in development priorities.”
Healthcare and education form the third and fourth pillars of his agenda. Juma notes that Isiolo residents often travel long distances for treatment.
On sports and talent development, he hopes to leverage his international networks to establish academies, modern playing grounds, and mentorship programs.
The remaining pillars—supporting farmers and traders and advancing good governance—tie into broader themes of poverty alleviation and accountability.
Born and raised in Isiolo, Juma rose from local football pitches to feature for Harambee Stars, Kenya’s national team.
His professional career has taken him across continents, from South Africa and Morocco to the Middle East, and now Lebanon.
His six-point agenda touches on the everyday struggles of Isiolo residents, from farmers battling erratic markets to parents burdened by high school fees.
A lingering question is how Juma intends to balance his playing career with political work. He remains under contract with Nejmeh SC in Lebanon, and Harambee Stars still count on his services in international fixtures.
With two years until the general election, Masoud Juma faces a steep climb against seasoned political figures. But his announcement alone has electrified Isiolo politics, thrusting youth issues and sports development into the national spotlight.