Undoubtedly, one of the phrases used by Kenyans the most frequently today is “mapema ndio best.”
The catchphrase has been used widely for comedic relief in everyday talks among peers, from President William Ruto to regular people.
The person and background of the popular statement are unknown to many people.
After entering politics in 2020, Kevin Oreso, a former MCA candidate in the Makadara Constituency’s Maringo Wanza ward for the 2022 General Election, came up with the slogan.
The city-based politician said that he created the phrase as a campaign slogan when he entered politics with the youth as his primary focus during an interview on NTV on Friday, January 13.
Before the campaigns intensified, Oreso claimed that he needed a catchphrase that would appeal to young people in order to advertise himself and his views.
“I made the choice to leave football and enter politics. It happened in 2020. I designed the message with the youth in mind: mapema ndio finest, “He declared. Mapema Ndio Best is a slang term used in Kenya that roughly translates to “clearing duties early on is the best strategy.”
Notably, he mentioned that he had created additional phrases before deciding on the one that became popular.
I had first created a tagline very very fast, but I later discovered that another musical group had already used it in a song.
I changed it because I knew I would win,’ he said, “so no one would accuse me of using the phrase to win the seat.”
Though he was inventive and creative, things did not turn out as he had hoped, and he came in last in the polls.
The politician said he had not given up and will make another run for office in the upcoming years. He acknowledged that the election results on August 9 had given him some political lessons.
Oreso played for amateur football teams throughout his career, including Kibera All-star and Mt. Kenya United.
Nevertheless, he had to give up football in the beginning of his professional career due to an ankle injury.
“I’ve always wanted to get involved in politics so that I might improve the lives of the citizens. I underwent ankle surgery and required money, but I didn’t have it, so I had to stop “He declared.
