The Inspiring Story of Josh Okello, a Homeless Student Turned Canadian Politician

Josh Okello, a former homeless international student turned Canadian politician, shares valuable insights from his campaign experience for a Member of the Legislative Assembly post.

Hailing from a small countryside community nestled in Kenya, Okello decided to relocate to Canada in 2009 to pursue his studies in both business administration and philosophy. Upon completing his education, he ventured to Winkler where he crossed paths with his significant other, establishing their residence in this town and calling it home ever since.

In February 2022, Okello announced his intention to run for the federal candidacy as the candidate for the Conservative Party for Portage-Lisgar. Josh emphasizes the significance of aligning political pursuits with cultural principles. To him, his MLA candidacy needed to reflect his cultural and societal convictions to establish genuine bonds with the people he represented.

Despite being a newcomer, Josh achieved an impressive second place in the election, garnering over 2,000 votes. He attributes this accomplishment to a dedicated team of volunteers. Their commitment to engaging in door-to-door interactions and sharing personal stories, instead of relying on expensive advertisements, showcases the power of grassroots campaigning.

In the world of politics, where financial resources often dictate the narrative, Josh's campaign demonstrated that personal connections can have a greater impact than extravagant campaigns. He emphasizes the invaluable support of volunteers who, despite not being wealthy, devoted their time to establishing personal connections with voters. Time posed a significant challenge in Josh's campaign, as he only began his serious efforts a month and a half before the election.

Josh Okello highlights the crucial role of motivation and perseverance in the face of inevitable challenges. He encourages aspiring politicians to see their journey through to the end, regardless of the outcome, as it is during this process that invaluable lessons are learned. In response to the defeat, Josh displayed humility by acknowledging the incumbent's victory. This act of respect and sportsmanship showcases the level of maturity required in the political arena.

When considering his future political involvement, Josh expresses a willingness to explore political roles but emphasises the importance of prioritizing family and platform building. This decision demonstrates an understanding of the enduring nature of political engagement and the need to strike a balance between personal and professional aspects of life.