Are you aware that some top politicians in the country gained political mileage from their last names? Family comes first. There are several perks and expectations associated with coming from a family with a solid political basis. For some politicians, being in the spotlight is a result of their political dynasty or, more accurately, the political gene pool that was passed down to them.
A surname is a very important name in someone’s life, especially when trying to seek favors from people or institutions. From securing job opportunities to winning political seats, surnames have been known to perform magic in terms of obtaining favor or luck.
Some major political heavyweights in Kenya can act s perfect examples of individuals who have benefited from their surnames. Today we look at a list of politicians who gained political mileage as a result of being associated with big names in politics.
Politicians Who Gained Political Mileage From Their Surnames
1. Uhuru Kenyatta
Uhuru took over his family’s political empire after his father Mzee Jomo Kenyatta who was Kenya’s founding father and the first president of Kenya. Apart from succeeding his father in politics, he also inherited his estate and business empire which he manages alongside his mother and brothers.
2. Raila Odinga
As father, so son. Similar to his father Oginga Odinga, who served as Kenya’s first opposition leader, Raila has opposed three different administrations: Kibaki’s, Uhuru’s, and most recently, Ruto’s. He currently serves as the Azimio La Umoja coalition party’s leader and the ODM leader as well.
Read High-Profile Resignations in Kenya Since Independence
3. Gideon Moi
Daniel Arap Moi, a former president of Kenya, represented Baringo Central in the parliament from 1982 until 2002 when his son Gideon Moi took over. In 2013, Gideon Moi successfully contested for the position of Baringo Senator under the new constitution. Gideon served two terms before losing his seat in 2022.
4. Musalia Mudavadi
He assumed control of the Sabatia constituency after his father Moses Mudavadi died in 1989 and ruled there until 2007. He was Kenya’s seventh vice president in 2002 and the country’s deputy prime minister from 2008 to 2012 when he quit to run for president in 2013.
Read List of All Kenyas Vice Presidents Since Independence
He founded the National Super Alliance, a coalition of political figures that aimed to topple President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration in 2017.
5. Eugene Wamalwa
The former Water CS is the brother to Kijana Wamalwa, who was serving as vice president when he died in 2003 while in office. Wamalwa gained political mileage from his brother’s popularity, which enabled him to run for and win the saboti constituency MP seat. Eugene is still active in politics.
6. Moses Kajwang
Moses Kajwang was elected as the senator of Homabay county in a by-election in 2015, succeeding his brother whose death occasioned the by-election. Despite disputes with other candidates who were vying for the position, he toppled them all.
