John Njuguna Wanjiku, also recorded as Wanjiku John Njuguna and popularly known as Ka Wanjiku, is a Kenyan politician who has served as the member of the National Assembly of Kenya for Kiambaa Constituency since 2021. He was elected as the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate in the July 2021 Kiambaa by-election and retained the seat in the 2022 Kenyan general election.

Early life and career

Wanjiku was born and raised in Gatono village in Kiambaa. According to a 2021 profile published by The Star, he was raised by his mother and attended Gatatha Primary School before studying at Thigio Boys Secondary School in Ndeiya, Limuru. He later attended Kenya Methodist University.

Before entering elective politics, Wanjiku worked briefly at Barclays Bank of Kenya. He later established businesses in the motor-vehicle import and spare-parts sectors. He also served as an evangelist with the Full Gospel Church of Kenya.

Political career

Wanjiku became involved in politics in Kiambu County before contesting for elective office. He participated in political campaigning and developed a grassroots political network in Kiambaa.

2021 Kiambaa by-election

The Kiambaa parliamentary seat became vacant following the death of the constituency's Member of Parliament, Paul Koinange. A by-election was held on 15 July 2021.

Wanjiku contested the election as the UDA candidate against Jubilee Party candidate Kariri Njama. He won with 21,773 votes, while Njama received 21,263 votes.

Wanjiku took the oath of office as the Member of Parliament for Kiambaa on 4 August 2021.

2022 general election

Wanjiku retained the Kiambaa parliamentary seat in the 2022 Kenyan general election. Election information published by Mzalendo, based on Kenya Gazette election results, records that he received 41,239 votes on the UDA ticket.

Parliamentary career

Wanjiku serves in the 13th Parliament as the Member of Parliament for Kiambaa. He has served on the National Assembly's Budget and Appropriations Committee and the Housing, Urban Planning and Public Works Committee.

Mzalendo has published records of Wanjiku's participation in parliamentary divisions during the 13th Parliament, including divisions concerning finance legislation, proposed constitutional amendments and impeachment motions.

References