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2nd Junior exits Kalenjin awards amid voting controversy
12th December, 2025 03:20 PM
Just two days before the highly anticipated Kalenjin Music Festivals and Awards 3rd edition awards, top Kalenjin secular artist 2nd Junior Kotestes has announced his withdrawal from the awards and issued a heartfelt, yet deeply concerning, plea to their dedicated fan base to cease all voting efforts immediately.
The music festival spearheaded by the patron Emurua Dikirr Member of Parliament (MP) Johana Ngeno Ngong was expected to close its voting at midnight Thursday, December 11, 2025, before the awarding ceremony on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Eldoret Sports Club.
Kalenjin Music Festivals and Awards celebrate and promote Kalenjin culture through music and arts by uplifting local talent, preserving Kalenjin heritage, and showcasing the unique sounds of the community.
Irregularities
According to the message published by the artist on his official social media page on Thursday, December 11, 2025, 2nd Junior cited “rumours and concerns about irregularities in the voting process” as the reason for their difficult decision.
“In light of the rumours and concerns about irregularities in the voting process for the upcoming music festival, I am asking you with a heavy heart to stop voting,” 2nd Junior said on a post.
During the 1st Edition of the Kalenjin Music Festival Awards, 2nd Junior emerged as the 1st runner-up in the Best Male Secular Artiste and 2nd runner-up in Best Overall Artiste.
In the 2nd Edition, he once again proved his consistency and talent by securing the position of 2nd runner-up in the Best Male Secular category.
He praised the fans for their unwavering support, emphasising that their respect for their audience was the driving force behind the request.
“I never want your effort, your money, or your energy to be wasted on something that may not be fair or transparent,” the post continues.
The artiste’s decision to speak out against the process has sent shockwaves through the music industry and raised serious questions about the fairness of the competition.
The artist was competing with key secular artiste in the region, including Patoto Pa Sweetstar, Bruni Star, Vicky Brilliance, Zona Last Born, Kilele Jazz, among other key artists for the best overall secular artiste of the year.
He confirmed to the fans that he will not be attending the awards as previously planned during his campaigns.
“For these reasons, I will NOT be attending the event on Saturday,” the artist confirmed, adding that the choice “wasn’t easy” but was ultimately the “right one.”
He further assured fans that this is not the end of their musical journey together.
“My journey is far from over, and I know we will continue building something real, something honest and something beautiful together,” the star promised. “Thank you for loving me. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for everything.”
