By Peter Ochieng
Kenya’s 13th Parliament is a mixture of experienced Members of Parliament (MPs) who have served for over two years, and those beginning to get a grasp of Parliamentary Standing Orders and responsibilities, having been elected during the last general election, in 2022.
The Country’s National Assembly is home to 349 MPs. 290 Members of Parliament represent each of Kenya’s constituencies, 47 are Women Representatives elected from all the counties, while 12 are nominated by political parties to represent minority interest groups, ranging from women, youth and persons living with disability.
According to the 2010 constitution, the roles of a Kenyan MP border on oversight, representation and legislation. However, one needs more than the aforementioned to be reelected.
Factors such as the political party, development track record and utilization of the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) come into play before one is reelected or elected into office.
As such, it is a miracle for one to survive over two terms in the National Assembly. Here is a breakdown of some of the longest serving MPs in the 13th Parliament.
1. Samuel Chumel Moroto (Kapenguria) – 5 terms
He was first elected as an MP in the 2001 Kapenguria by-election, necessitated by the death of the then MP, Francis Lotodo.
Moroto was then elected for a full term in the 2002 Kenyan general elections, before being appointed by former president Mwai Kibaki to the position of assistant minister, Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation, in 2006.
Being a KANU stalwart, he lost his seat in 2007 due to an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) wave that swept the Rift Valley region, and most parts of the country. He bounced back in the 4th March 2013 general elections, before being reelected in 2017 and 2022, making him one of the longest serving MPs in the current Parliament.
2. Adan Keynan (Eldas) – 5 terms
Keynan is not only among the longest serving MPs currently, but he is also the long serving Elda’s Member of Parliament and the long-serving politician in North Eastern Kenya.
He joined elective politics in 1997, and has served as MP from 1997 to date, which means he has been reelected for 5 straight terms, a record in itself.
In a past interview, he attributed his success to God’s blessings.
“Passion, commitment and service delivery have also been key to my success. These attributes have been driving me to push for more over time,” he added.
3. Millie Grace Mabona Odhiambo (Suba North) – 4 terms
The vocal advocate is in her fourth term as an MP. She was introduced to the country’s political stage in 2007, when she was nominated by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Unlike other women or men who exit from political stage after 5 short years of nomination, Millie Gesagesa as she is known in political circles contested for the Mbita constituency seat. She won.
In 2013, the name of the constituency was changed to Suba South. The change of name never changed her political fortunes, literally, as she was elected again in 2017 and 2022, making her the longest serving female MP in the current National Assembly.
“I have clear policies on improving economic prosperity of the people besides legislative roles. Promoting education will also is also a key agenda for the future of our young people. My record speaks for itself. I am the only MP who has started development projects on the island, which has been forgotten for long,” she once said.
4. John Mbadi (Suba South) – 4 terms
Like Mille Odhiambo, John Mbadi is serving his fourth term in the National Assembly. Whereas the outspoken Millie was nominated by ODM in 2007, Mbadi was nominated by the Raila Odinga -led party in 2022.
In 2007, Mbadi was elected Gwassi MP, before the name of the constituency was changed to Suba South in 2013. He was re-elected that year, and in 2017.
He did not defend his seat in 2022, as he was eying the ODM party ticket to contest for the Homabay County gubernatorial seat. Gladys Wanga was handed a direct ticket and eventually got elected governor. With elections done with, Mbadi, the ODM national chairman was handed nominated to the National Assembly as he strategizes ahead of the 2027 polls.
Former MPs Gideon Konchella (Kilgoris), Maoka Maore (Igembe North), Cecile Mbarire (now Embu governor), Katoo Ole Metito (Kajiado South), Naomi Shaban (Taveta) and Wafula Wamunyinyi (Kanduyi) were some of the longest serving legislatures in the 12th Parliament, at 4 terms each.
