London-Based Kenyan Entrepreneur Returns Home to Launch Nachu MCA Bid

London-based Kenyan entrepreneur Bonnie Wesh has returned from the UK to launch his campaign for the Member of County Assembly (MCA) seat in Nachu Ward, Kiambu County.

Wesh has placed the fight against illicit brews at the centre of his campaign, calling for urgent action from county and national authorities to address alcohol-related deaths in the area. He has launched a petition seeking intervention from the Kiambu County Government, the Ministry of Interior and national security agencies. 

The petition aims to gather support from residents and families affected by alcohol abuse through both online signatures and physical endorsements. The campaign follows reports of deaths in Nachu allegedly linked to illicit brews, including the death of a young man in Kanyayo. 

Wesh said there was no definitive evidence linking the deaths to warnings he had previously raised, but maintained that community concerns should be taken seriously. He said he attempted to raise the matter with senior officials in August but faced difficulties accessing their offices because of formal procedures. 

The experience, he said, reinforced his view that residents need more direct and responsive channels to report urgent threats. Wesh, who has business interests in both the UK and Kenya, said his decision to seek elective office was driven by his long-standing ties to Nachu and his involvement in local community affairs.

“I am born in Nachu. My placenta is buried in Nachu. I love Nachu, and Nachu is in my heart,” he said.

His involvement in community affairs predates his political ambitions. For more than 15 years, he has operated an online community platform that now has more than 35,000 members. The platform discusses issues including infrastructure, healthcare, youth affairs and economic opportunities.

Wesh said his concerns about illicit brews are also informed by their impact on people close to him, including family members, friends and former schoolmates.

“Who will I reminisce our childhood stories with if my agemates die due to illicit brews?” he asked.

Wesh said the campaign against illicit alcohol should not be treated solely as an election issue. He called for coordinated action by government agencies, community organisations and residents.

His petition calls for stronger enforcement of existing laws and measures to address the social and economic factors contributing to alcohol abuse. Wesh said he had raised the issue with the current MCA, Father George Kimani, and nominated MCA Lawrence Wainaina. He said the responses he received did not adequately address the concerns he had raised.

“I may be ignored, but it is not me being ignored. It is the people of Nachu,” he said.

Wesh's return from the UK adds a diaspora dimension to his political campaign as he seeks to take part directly in local governance and development. He said his approach would focus on prevention, accountability and direct engagement with residents rather than relying solely on formal meetings and administrative processes.

“I call upon leaders to go out of their way, spare us the formalities and committee structures, and get on the ground before tragedy hits,” he said.

Wesh said the consequences of delayed action were felt most directly by families who lose relatives to preventable harm.

“When a mother buries her child, a policy document cannot bring that child back. When a woman loses her husband, a committee meeting cannot restore her family,” he said.