More often than not, Kenyan politicians sell themselves short, often dumbing down their intellect to make sure they appeal to the electorate.
On many occasions, politicians trade barbs with their opponents and occasionally indulge in political mischief to advance their political careers.
As Kenyans continue to associate them with their activity in the political arena, it's often overlooked that a majority of Kenyan politicians boast illustrious educational backgrounds.
Some of them have even imparted knowledge in classroom halls before trading the classroom for a career in the Kenyan political landscape.
In this article, Kenyans.co.ke compiles a list of 10 politicians who have previously served as teachers.
Kipchumba Murkomen
Brought up in a God-fearing home, Murkomen emerged as one of the Sunday school teachers in his hometown, Embubot, setting the stage for his career in education.
Describing himself as an adept scholar, Murkomen consistently shone in his academic pursuits, from Chawis Primary School to the University of Nairobi (UoN), where he pursued a degree in law.
Following the completion of his Master of Law at the University of Pretoria in South Africa, Murkomen embarked on a path as a law lecturer at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), the University of Nairobi, and Moi University.
Subsequently, in 2013, he made his entry into the realm of politics and secured victory in the Elgeyo Marakwet Senatorial elections. Serving two terms in this capacity, Murkomen's journey then led him to the Executive and now serves as Kenya's Transport Cabinet Secretary.
Aden Duale
In 1992, the Defence Cabinet Secretary was a graduate teacher at Sankuri Secondary School in Balambala, Garissa County. This followed his graduation from Moi University where he earned a Bachelor of Education Degree. Duale went on to pursue a Master's Degree in Business Administration at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).
Upon venturing into politics, Duale achieved election victories in 2007 and subsequently secured re-election in 2013, 2017, and 2022 as the Member of Parliament for Garissa Township.
Throughout his political journey, Duale notably held the position of the Majority Leader in the National Assembly under the Jubilee Administration. He also played a pivotal role as a founding member of several prominent parties, namely the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), the United Republican Party (URP), Jubilee Party (JP), and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
In 2022, a new chapter unfolded as he was appointed Defence Cabinet Secretary by President William Ruto. His Garissa Township position was taken over by Major Dekow M Barrow.
Mutahi Kahiga
Renowned for his significant contributions to various schools nationwide, including Karundas, Milimani, and Maragima Primary Schools, the Nyeri Governor is an accomplished teacher and unionist. His extensive teaching career has earned him the affectionate title "Mwalimu," which means teacher in Swahili.
Reflecting on his journey, he shared, "I graduated in 1980 from Kisii TTC and was posted to Baringo Central where I taught for six years before coming back to Nyeri."
In 1995, Mutahi embarked on his political path by securing a position as a member of the supervisory committee in the Nyeri Teachers Cooperative Society.
Notably, in 2017, he assumed the role of the running mate to the late Wahome Gakuru, who passed away. This unforeseen event led Mutahi to step into the governor's position
In the subsequent 2022 General Election, he triumphed and retained the position.
Wilson Sossion
Sossion, an alumnus of Egerton University, embarked on his teaching journey in 1993 at Tenuek High School in Bomet.
Following this experience, he vied for a role within the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) in 2000, eventually securing victory in his second attempt in 2001. Sossion contributed in various capacities within the union, including a stint as the secretary general, a position later assumed by Collins Oyuu.
In 2017, he was nominated to the National Assembly by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Omboko Milemba
The current chairperson of the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) once worked as a teacher at Moi Girls High School Vokoli from 1990 to 2003.
After his stint at Moi Girls, he proceeded to Nyangori Boys Secondary School where he taught for a few months in 2003.
In 2002, he played a pivotal role as one of the founding members of KUPPET, simultaneously holding the position of chairman for the Vihiga branch.
Prior to his transition to the realm of politics, he held several significant roles within the union.
Milemba contested and secured the Emuhaya Constituency parliamentary seat in 2013, subsequently defending his position successfully in the 2022 General Election.
Upon his involvement in politics, he faced deregistration as a teacher by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
Mwangi Kiunjuri
Kiunjuri, who has occupied various cabinet positions including the plum Energy and Water ministries, is a teacher by profession. He graduated with a degree in Education from Moi University.
Beyond teaching, the lawmaker born in 1969 worked odd jobs to sustain himself, including being a tout for two years, selling clothes, and vegetables.
Kiunjuri joined the political scene in 1997 and vied for a seat as Laikipia East MP. Despite having a hard time raising the required campaign funds, Kiunjuri won.
He retained his seat in the 2002 and 2007 elections. When he attempted to vie for the Laikipia Governor position in 2013, he lost.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta appointed him to roles in different ministries, including the Devolution and Agriculture dockets, before dismissing him in 2020.
Christine Ombaka
The Siaya County Woman Representative possesses an Education degree from the University of Nairobi and has a background as an educator.
Her teaching career encompasses diverse roles, including her tenure as the Principal of Shinyolo Girls High School. Subsequently, she extended her expertise to institutions of higher learning, serving as a lecturer at both Moi University and Maseno University.
Transitioning into the realm of politics in 2013, she fended off stiff competition to win the Siaya County Woman Representative seat which she retained in 2017 and 2022.
Before embarking on her political journey in 2013, she contributed significantly to academia as the Director of the Institute for Gender Studies at Maseno University until 2012.
Adan Keynan
Keynan, the incumbent Eldas MP, embarked on his professional journey as an educator subsequent to achieving a Degree in Education from Moi University.
Following his brief tenure in the educational sphere, Keynan assumed the role of Director at the Kenya National Corporation, a position he held from 1996 to 1997.
In 1997, Keynan made his foray into the realm of politics, triumphing in the Wajir West constituency elections. His victory was subsequently reaffirmed in both 2007 and 2013.
In 2013, when the Eldas Constituency was carved out of Wajir East, Keynan took on the challenge and emerged victorious. His electoral success persisted in subsequent elections, securing his status as the longest-serving parliamentarian in North Eastern.
Joyce Ochongo
Popularly known as Bensouda, the Homa Bay Woman Representative worked as a lecturer at the Jaramogi Oginga University of Science and Technology in the Spatial Planning department.
She also worked as a part-time lecturer at KCA University, a senior teacher under the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), and a nursery assistant at Danida Organisation.
Bensouda has taught at Sango Academy, St Andrews Academy, Migingo Primary School, Angira Primary School, St. Alberts Secondary School, and Alango Primary School.
She holds a Ph.D. in Project Planning and Management from the University of Nairobi, and a Certificate in Computer Applications and SPSS from KCA University.
Ochongo also holds a Master's Degree in Project Planning and Management from the University of Nairobi, a Bachelor of Education Arts Degree from the University of Nairobi, and a Primary Teachers Education P1 from Kamagambo TTC.
After her experience in the education sector, she proceeded to work as the County Executive Committee Member (CEC) in charge of Roads, Transport, and Public Water in Kisumu County before venturing into elective politics.
Omar Mwinyi Shimbwa
Mwinyi's professional journey encompassed diverse educational roles, including teaching at Marereni Primary School, serving as deputy headteacher at Mwijabu Primary School, and assuming the position of head teacher at both Chaani and Bomu Primary Schools.
He refined his teaching expertise at the Kagumo Teachers' College from 1977 to 1979.
Transitioning from education, Mwinyi ventured into the business realm, becoming the director of Panal Freighters Ltd from 1995 to 2012.
Mwinyi's entry into the political arena started in 2013 when he secured the Changamwe parliamentary seat. His dedication to public service remained resolute, as he successfully defended his position in both the 2017 and 2022 elections.
Rosa Buyu
Buyu's career commenced as a teacher at Pangani Girls High School prior to her appointment to the National Cereal Board in 2008.
Subsequently, she served within the Public Service Commission (PSC), contributing as a member of the electoral body selection panel.
In 2013, Buyu entered the political arena, contesting for the Kisumu West Constituency seat, although experiencing defeat. Her commitment persevered, and in 2017, she squared it out for the woman representative seat under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) which she won.
In the 2022 General Election, Buyu won and retained her position.
