The Kalenjin community is one of the largest ethnic groups in Kenya, and has produced some of the most talented and influential celebrities in the country.
From athletics to music and entertainment, Kalenjin celebrities have made a significant impact in their respective fields.
In this article, WoK will explore the lives and achievements of some of the most influential Kalenjin celebrities.
1. Eliud Kipchoge
Elidud Kipchoge is a Kenyan long-distance runner who competes in the marathon and formerly specialized at the 5000-metres distance.
The 34-year-old gained popularity across the world after becoming the first human to cover the 42 km marathon under two hours.
He clocked 1:59:40.2 at the Ineos159 Challenge in Vienna, Austria in October 2019.
Although the run was not ratified as a world record, he will be remembered as one of the greatest pioneering milestones in athletics history.
2. Nikita Kering
Nikita Chepchumba Kering’ is a Kenyan song writer and performing artiste.
Born 2002, she is the fourth born child in a family of five.
Her breakthrough in music was in 2018 when she released her debut single, Happy with You, while a student at Brookhouse School.
In 2020, Nikita was signed to a major recording deal by Universal Music (Africa) through A.I Music Kenya, and released her debut EP A Side of Me.
She was also selected for the #Empawa100 a mentorship programme by Nigerian artist Mr Eazi, where she was awarded Ksh 337,000 to produce her first music video.
She has performed in among other countries the US, Germany, South Africa and Nigeria.
3. Emmy Kosgei
Born July 1980, Emmy Kosgei is a Kenyan gospel singer and song writer famed for her album, Taunet Nelel (A New Beginning).
The album has songs such as Ategisin (I Salute You) which has been widely used in among other events, national celebrations and political rallies in Kenya.
Emmy relocated to Nigeria after getting married to her husband, 64-year-old Pastor Anselm Madubuko, in 2013.
Her father is Bsp Emeritus Hon. Jackson Kosgei who was recently nominated to the National Assembly by the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.
Kosgei, who previously served as chairman of the Kenya Film Classification Board, was nominated to represent people with disabilities.
4. MC Japhe
Japhet Ngemo or MC Japhe is a media personality, comedian and an experienced master of ceremonies for weddings and corporate events.
Presently, he hosts a breakfast show on Berur FM, a Standard Media Group-owned radio station broadcasting in Kalenjin dialect.
He previously worked for Mediamax’s Emoo FM where he quit following the job offer from Standard Media Group.
MC Japhe has performed in many weddings including President William Ruto’s son, Nick Ruto’s, traditional wedding in January 2022.
5. Terryanne Chebet
Terryanne Chebet is a media personality and entrepreneur running Keyara Botanics, a skincare label making natural products using raw materials sourced locally.
Chebet is a familiar name and face among Kenyans having worked in CNBC Africa, CCTV Africa, KBC and Citizen TV where she was a prime time news anchor.
After getting fired from the station in 2015, she decided to try her hand in the business world.
She also runs a YouTube Channel where she covers real estate, entrepreneurship, career growth, personal finance and motherhood.
6. Sweet Star
Also known as Mike Rotich, Sweet Star is made his music debut in 2011.
Over the years, Sweet Star has grow to be among the most sought after Kalenjin artistes thanks to his outfit selections and quality of video.
With over 100,000 subscribers and 59 music videos, he has managed over 16.5 million cumulative views on YouTube.
Sweet Star also makes money from live performances in political rallies, night clubs and Kalenjin events.
7. DJ Nosh
Noel Kipkurui Cheruiyot alias DJ Nosh is a radio presenter at Berur FM, a singer, deejay, MC and podcaster.
He is also the founder of Nosh Merchandise, V Boy Entertainment and Ship Shape Media Solutions, a digital marketing and events company.
DJ Nosh is also a brand influencer, and has worked with among other brands Peptang, ChickenInn, CreamyInn and PizzaInn.
He charges Ksh 50,000 for a club performance, Ksh 100,000 for monthly endorsements, Ksh 50,000 for weddings and Ksh 1,000,000 for brand ambassadorial jobs.
8. Robert Kemei
Robert Kemei is a comedian and a broadcaster famed for his show on vernacular Kalenjin radio station, Kass FM.
He is an aspiring politician having vied for the Uasin Gishu senatorial seat twice.
Arap Kemei first contested for the senatorial seat in 2017 under a Jubilee ticket but lost to Margaret Kamar.
In 2022, he contested for the seat as an independent candidate after missing out the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party nomination.
He lost to Jackson Mandago.
9. Propesa
Propesa is a comic group behind various trending videos and the popular, ‘Halo William’ sound that went viral in 2017.
However, the name has, for the longest time, been associated with Kimtai Ruto who is the most visible in the group.
The group which comprises of Dennis Ruto, Dennis Too and Kiprono Ruto.
The four were staying in the same compound while in college.
Kimutai and Ruto were students at RV while Too and Kiprono were at Egerton University and Mount Kenya University respectively.
Due to financial constraints, the four moved in together in a bedsitter to save on the little they had.
It’s at this bedsitter that the group was formed.
10. Olessos Melodies
Olessos Melodies is a singer and performing artiste famed for her album, Lole Maat.
In 2019, the fast-rising musician made headlines after being stabbed by her dancer who was also her roommate.
She was stabbed two times; on the shoulder and rib, and hurt her hand in the process of trying to wrestle the knife out of the dancer’s hand.
Olessos Melodies was rushed to the hospital by neighbours and the matter reported to the police.
