A little-known sand harvester floored seasoned politicians in his native Mai Mahiu Ward after he was declared the area's Member of County Assembly, MCA-elect.
In an interview on Saturday, August 20, Eliud Chege confirmed that prior to his election, he had worked as a sand harvester within the ward for nine years.
His campaigns were aided by contribution from his family and colleagues, some of whom he worked with at the same site.
He noted that he was inspired to throw his hat into the ring in an effort to elevate the lives of individuals who worked in mining and constructions sites.
"I have been in the sand harvesting sector since the year 2013 until the recent campaigns. I looked at the problems we faced and decided that we cannot stay outside Government and only seek justice through street demonstrations.
"I always reached out to my youth when down and they would contribute for me. I was not in this alone," he stated.
Several kilometers away in Meru County, another sand harvester emerged victorious trouncing Kiegoi Antubuchiu Ward's incumbent MCA to clinch the seat.
In an interview, the newly-elected MCA Timothy Mutwiri noted that he joined politics to try his luck although his plans were destined for the 2027 elections.
"I decided to join politics after postponing to 2027 when I thought I would have money but I looked at how tough my life was and there was a chance I would still be broke. I thought it wise to use the opportunity that has come and look for votes.
"It is all God. I did not have money but God brought people who used their money to ensure that I got elected," he explained.
Mutwiri, who did not pursue tertiary education due to a lack of school fees, worked as a tutor at his former High School in the mornings before heading to the construction site.
His 'mjengo' salary was significantly higher than the monthly Ksh4,000 he was paid at the high school.
His colleagues, who had contributed Ksh15,000 that aided his campaign activities, praised him for his leadership skills on site. They noted that he was repeatedly elected as the group's chairman including a time he was not physically present.
"We formed a committee and decided to offer him advice as well as contribute money for him," noted Henry Kanampiu, the ward's resident.
"I notice his leadership skills because when I left the site, I put him in charge. When I returned, I noticed he had done his job well," Benson Muthuri corroborated.
