Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, 32, may not be a vocal legislator but his leadership is evidenced by the development agenda in his constituency. In April 2020, as a way of youth empowerment and creating awareness on the Covid-19 pandemic he offered to cover production costs to any Kenyan who composed a song on the virus.
The father of one has also taken the lead in a door-to-door campaign for the distribution of food, sanitisers, and facemasks to several households in his constituency with the aim of reaching approximately 15,000 people.
The ODM legislator explained to Kenyans.co.ke that his philanthropic nature is inspired by his humble childhood.
Early Life
"I was raised by my grandmother after my father died and my mother abandoned me," he stated adding that he would take on menial jobs to support his family while in primary school.
"I used to be herdsboy and make not more than Ksh200 for a weekend and that was enough to keep us going," the MP, who is also a maize and dairy farmer added.
Despite the hardships, Amisi was able to emerge as the top student in Western Kenya in the 2000 KCPE examinations
The MP revealed that he first wore shoes when he attended Starehe Boys Centre in 2001 - he was armed only with a padlock, everything was provided by the school.
He was able to proceed to university enrolling for a Bachelor's Degree in Commerce at the University of Nairobi.
"I used to work while in campus because I wasn't from a rich background," he added noting that he had to work hard to have what he has today.
Politics
His entrance to politics was by chance, spurred by his schoolmate and Former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth who encouraged him to join his party and run in 2013. He failed to capture a political seat.
But his fortune changed in 2017 when he vied on an ODM party ticket in Saboti Constituency where it was alleged he ran one of the most expensive campaigns in the country.
"I had a lot to prove. ODM was not a popular party to sell in Trans Nzoia County and also I was young. So I used choppers to campaign - and I won," he proclaimed.
Being in parliament, Amisi continued to push for the youth agenda where he proposed for unemployed youth to be given a h4,000 monthly allowance by urging for the amendment of the Social Assistance Act 2012.
"The proposal is still at the budget phase but I am still following up on it. I believe that young people should be protected because unemployment leaves the youth susceptible to ills like drug abuse, criminal gangs and organised militia groups," he added.
As a young parliamentarian, Amisi revealed his strategy to get noticed and get legislation through.
"What you do is work through committees, that's how you get an agenda pushed through and I currently seat in the Defence and Foreign Affairs Committee," he added.
The greatest lesson he has learned in politics is 'there are no permanent friends or enemies just permanent interests.'
Business Profile
Unconfirmed reports indicated him to be among the most wealthy young parliamentarians. Though he couldn't confirm nor deny, Amisi described his position as 'comfortable'.
Running three companies including a real estate company, a wine-importing firm, and a high-end spa called Miss White Spa - a commercial establishment offering health and beauty treatment through such means as steam baths, exercise equipment, and massage - situated in Hurlingham, Nairobi.
The Spa estimated to be worth Ksh60 Million made headlines in December 2019, when ODM leader Raila Odinga visited for a hair cut.
The launch was attended by a number of legislators including Millie Odhiambo (Suba North), Babu Owino (Embakasi East) and Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris.
Amisi stated that he runs the salon with his wife of more than nine years.
Words of Advice
To a young person interested in getting into politics, the youthful MP advises, "Know why you want to run because I know of some nominated leaders who don't even know why they are there and they still get salaries. Power without purpose is useless."
