Popular Kenyan Politicians Who Began Their Political Careers as MCAs

For some of Kenya’s recognisable political figures, elective politics started with a ward seat in the county assembly.

Before they were senators, MPs or governors, these politicians spent their early years representing individual wards and dealing with issues at the grassroots. For some, the county assembly became a steppingstone to national politics, while others went on to seek countywide office.

Among them are Cleophas Malala, Eric Mutai, Karungo wa Thang’wa and Julius Gataya Mwenda, whose political careers have taken them well beyond their first elective positions.

From ward representatives to Parliament

Cleophas Malala

Cleophas Malala entered elective politics in 2013 when he won the Mahiakalo Ward MCA seat in Kakamega County. His first term in the county assembly was followed by a successful bid for the Kakamega Senate seat in 2017.

Malala quickly became one of the more visible politicians from Western Kenya during his time in the Senate.

He later sought the Kakamega governor’s seat in the 2022 General Election but lost to Fernandes Barasa.

Eric Mutai

Eric Mutai also began his elective career at the county level, serving as an MCA in Nakuru County.

He later moved to Parliament, winning the Kuresoi North parliamentary seat in the 2022 General Election.

His political career took another turn that same year when he contested the Kericho governor’s seat and won.

Mutai succeeded Paul Chepkwony as the county’s governor, making the journey from county assembly politics to Parliament and eventually countywide leadership.

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Onesmus Ngogoyo Ngure

Onesmus Ngogoyo Ngure spent nine years in the Kajiado County Assembly after entering elective politics in 2013.

He served as an MCA for two terms before seeking a parliamentary seat.

In the 2022 elections, Ngogoyo won the Kajiado North constituency seat on a United Democratic Alliance ticket.

His move marked a shift from representing a single ward to serving constituents across an entire constituency.

DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala addressing a crowd alongside DCP Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua in Trans Nzoia County on July 4, 2025. PHOTO/ Cleophas Malala.

Martin Pepela Wanyonyi

Martin Pepela Wanyonyi started his elective career in Bungoma County in 2013 as a nominated MCA.

He later won the Ndivisi Ward MCA seat in the 2017 General Election.

Pepela spent nearly a decade in county politics before making the jump to the National Assembly.

In 2022, he won the Webuye East parliamentary seat, continuing his political rise from ward representation to national politics.

From county assemblies to the Senate

Karungo wa Thang’wa

Karungo wa Thang’wa began his elective career as the MCA for Ngewa Ward in Kiambu County in 2013.

He served in the county assembly before making his first attempt at the Kiambu Senate seat in 2017.

He did not win that contest but returned five years later and secured the seat in the 2022 General Election. His political journey is one of persistence, with his second attempt at the Senate proving successful.

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Julius Gataya Mwenda

Julius Gataya Mwenda took a similar route in Tharaka-Nithi County.

He was first elected MCA for Mukothima Ward in 2013 and went on to serve for two terms.

After spending a decade in the county assembly, Gataya contested the Tharaka-Nithi Senate seat in 2022 and won.

His long stint at the ward level gave him extensive experience in county legislation before he moved to the national legislature.

James Kamau Murango

James Kamau Murango entered elective politics in 2017 after winning a seat in the Kirinyaga County Assembly. He rose to become the assembly’s Majority Leader before setting his sights on the Senate.

Murango won the Kirinyaga senatorial seat in the 2022 General Election, moving from county assembly leadership to the Senate after one term as an MCA.

Their political paths reflect the opportunities created by devolution, where ward-level elective positions have become an entry point for politicians seeking higher office.

For these leaders, the MCA seat was not their final destination but the first major step in careers that later took them to Parliament, the Senate and the governor’s office.

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