•From Vernacular Radio Star to Political Trailblazer
Isiolo County, Kenya| Abdirahim Sheikh Adan, widely recognized by his stage name DJ Baha, has emerged victorious in the recently concluded United Democratic Alliance (UDA) grassroots elections, clinching the highly contested Burat Ward Chairmanship.
His triumph not only marks a significant personal milestone but also signals a potential shift in the political dynamics of the region ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Held on April 12, 2025, the grassroots election spanned across all wards in Isiolo County, drawing massive public interest and igniting intense competition among aspirants.
The polls, which had been postponed several times due to fierce rivalries and logistical challenges, finally materialized—offering a democratic showdown that many dubbed the ultimate test of political might and public appeal.
Amid this charged political atmosphere, DJ Baha distinguished himself from the crowd, rising from a background rooted in the media and entertainment space to become the new political face of Burat Ward under President William Ruto’s UDA party.
From Airwaves to Ballots: The Rise of DJ Baha
Before venturing into politics, DJ Baha was already a household name in Isiolo and beyond, having made his mark as a charismatic radio presenter at Angaaf Radio Kenya, a Borana-language station.
His unique ability to connect with listeners through vernacular broadcasting earned him the Best Male Radio Presenter award at the IGOTA Awards in 2018.
After leaving radio, he successfully transitioned into freelance event hosting, DJing, and content creation, becoming a popular figure in the region’s social scene.
His entrepreneurial spirit also saw him establish Gamachu Entertainment, a startup providing a range of event services—from photography and video shooting to tent and chair rentals for weddings and graduations.
With a solid grassroots following, youthful energy, and unmatched oratory skills, DJ Baha’s foray into politics seemed almost inevitable.
A Strategic Win for UDA
DJ Baha’s win is being interpreted by political observers as a critical gain for the ruling party in Isiolo County.
Given UDA’s strategic focus on expanding its grassroots presence ahead of the 2027 elections, victories like these are seen as indicators of the party’s growing grip on regions it previously struggled to dominate.
During the 2022 general elections, President William Ruto enjoyed widespread support in Isiolo, trouncing his closest challenger, Raila Odinga, by a convincing margin.
UDA has since been consolidating its base in the region, and DJ Baha’s elevation to a ward-level party chairmanship fits into this broader strategy.
As Burat Ward Chairman, DJ Baha is now tasked with a critical mandate—coordinating party activities at the grassroots, mobilizing support for UDA Party initiatives, and serving as the primary link between the party’s national leadership and local constituents.
A Message of Unity and Inclusion
In his post-election remarks, DJ Baha expressed heartfelt gratitude to his supporters, describing the win as a collective victory for the people of Burat Ward.
He extended an olive branch to his competitors, urging them to remain within the party fold and promising to engage them in key decisions and consultative processes moving forward.
“To those who did not vote for me, I want you to know that I am your leader too,” DJ Baha stated. “I will do everything in my capacity to earn your trust and support. My doors are open, and I am here to serve each and every resident of Burat Ward, regardless of your political leanings.”
His message has been widely praised as mature and inclusive, earning him goodwill from local leaders, elders, youth representatives, and fellow media professionals who have flooded social media and community forums with congratulatory messages and endorsements.
What Lies Ahead
With his election, DJ Baha steps into a role filled with both opportunity and expectation.
As the grassroots representative of the party in Burat Ward, he will be instrumental in shaping UDA’s image and operational strategy in the area—engaging the community, overseeing party mobilization, and rallying support for future electoral battles.
In many ways, his journey encapsulates the spirit of a new generation of leaders emerging from non-traditional backgrounds—individuals who understand the pulse of the people, communicate authentically, and balance entrepreneurial savvy with civic duty.
As DJ Baha embarks on this new chapter, all eyes will be on how he translates his media prowess and community rapport into effective political leadership.
If his track record is anything to go by, Burat Ward may just have found a dynamic and forward-thinking champion in their new UDA Chair.
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