‘Tano Tena’ hitmaker Sammy Mang’ara on Sunday, November 29, opened up on his life struggles despite having rubbed shoulders with the who-is-who in Jubilee party.
Mang’ara became a household name in the run-up to the 2017 General Elections after releasing a song rallying Kenyans to vote for President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto.
“I gave my all in coming up with the song. The President promised me some cash, but some of the political leaders from Western have not wired the money to my account.
“I have gone through some difficult times especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. I had to return to being a cobbler to earn a living so that my family can have something on the table,” he explained.
The singer who hails from Khachonge, Bungoma county is remembered for his hit song which incidentally shared a title with one released by musician Ben Githae.
At the time, Mang’ara, who is a father of three, asked Uhuru to help him set up a sound and tent hire business.
He claims that Uhuru promised him some Ksh 2M, but he is yet to receive a dime, alleging that a politician was handed the money, but decided to sit on it.
“I attended Uhuru’s tour at Pan Paper Stadium and sang for him. I interacted with the President and asked him to help me set up an events company.
“He promised to offer me capital through one of the leaders present at the event, but up till today, I have never received the Ksh2M,” he added.
Mang’ara is appealing to well-wishers to come to his rescue after struggling to make ends meet despite his songs being played during the Jubilee Party campaigns.
“I am not demanding to be paid, but I am just concerned that my songs are being played and I have performed for President Uhuru Kenyatta in most of his campaigns here in Western, yet I have never been paid anything,” stated the artist in a past interview.
Source: Kenyans