Oga Obinna reveals condition for supporting Ruto or opposition after wheelbarrow stunt
By Valerian Khakayi, September 17, 2026Media personality Steve Thompson Maghana, widely known as Oga Obinna, has revealed the condition he will consider before supporting either the government or the opposition ahead of the next 2027 general elections.
In a candid video shared on Thursday, September 17, 2026, Obinna said that he will no longer campaign for politicians for free.
He disclosed that his decision was influenced by his experience campaigning in previous elections, including his vocal support for President William Ruto ahead of the 2022 General Election.
“I have decided to support the opposition or the government, provided they pay. No free marketing, I have been there, I have done, and it did not end well for me,” Obinna said.
“In previous elections, I was very vocal about Ruto, but in the previous ones, it was Baba. I didn’t get a single shilling from Ruto’s or Baba’s side from the previous election campaigns, not again! I have decided to support the opposition or the government, provided they pay.”
No free campaigns
Reflecting on his previous political involvement, Obinna said his approach would be different this time.
“If you saw me campaigning, I did that for free because I knew that was the change we wanted, but this time nijikute na campainia mtu for free,” he said.
He added that people should be free to pursue their interests, saying he would also consider his own interests when deciding whether to support a political side.
“Kila mtu afanye na maisha yake atakavyo sindio. Everyone will support whatever side provided their interests are met. If mine will be met, why not?” Obinna said.
Obinna further said his appearance at political rallies should not necessarily be interpreted as personal political allegiance.
““Opinions wekeni hapa comment section, wa kunicancel wafanye mapema. Ukiona kwa rally za Linda Mwananchi, ama DCP, ama Kanu, ama UDA, ama Linda Ground, ujue niko kazi emotions uweke kando,” he said.
However, Obinna made one exception, saying he would not charge MP Babu Owino or Millicent Omanga.
“Ukiona kwa rally za Linda Mwananchi, ama DCP, ama Kanu, ama UDA, ama Linda Ground, ujue niko kazi emotions uweke kando. Nikimalizia hapo mwisho BABU KWA SABABU na MAMA MIRADI sitawalipisha,” he said.
Obinna on wheelbarrow stunt
Obinna’s remarks come amid renewed attention to a video showing him pushing Ruto in a wheelbarrow, an image that became associated with Ruto’s political messaging ahead of the 2022 election.
The wheelbarrow became a prominent symbol of Ruto’s campaign and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), with Ruto using it to represent his “hustler” message. Obinna was seen pushing Ruto in a wheelbarrow during an event in 2020 as the campaign imagery began taking shape.
Obinna has previously claimed that he came up with the wheelbarrow idea alongside Anthony Osoo and that they were not paid for it.
“I am the one who carried William Ruto on a wheelbarrow. Go and watch that video, and you will see me. I came up with that idea myself and Anthony Osoo. We were never paid even a bob. You can ask Dennis Itumbi or Theuri,” Obinna said in 2024.