2nd Junior Kotestes withdraws from Kalenjin Music Awards, cites voting irregularities
By Emmanuel Rono, December 11, 2025Just 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 patron Johana Ngeno Ngong, who doubles as Member of Parliament for the Emurua Dikirr constituency, is expected to close its voting at midnight on Thursday, December 11, 2025, before its awards 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 in voting
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 the Best Overall Artist.
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 star’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.
2nd Junior Kotestes’ competitors
The artist was competing with key secular artists in the region, including Patoto Pa Sweetstar, Bruni Star, Vicky Brilliance, Zona Last Born, and Kilele Jazz, amongst other key artists, for the best overall secular artist 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.”