Robert Makokha Wangokho, the Nakuru Bunge la Mwananchi president. Photo/Newsflash
By Newsflash Writer
At just 36 years old, Robert Makokha Wangokho has already made a name for himself as a bold defender of ordinary Kenyans.
Best known as the fiery president of Bunge la Mwananchi in Nakuru, Makokha is now setting his eyes on a much bigger stage — the 2027 parliamentary contest for Nakuru Town West constituency.
His entry into the race is already shaping the constituency’s politics, pitting him directly against the long-serving and controversial MP Samuel Arama.
From Bungoma to Nairobi: An academic and personal journey
Born and raised in Bungoma County, Western Kenya, Makokha’s story is one of resilience in the face of adversity. His education journey began in the rural schools of BunSagoma before he joined Teremi Boys High School. Life, however, dealt him a heavy blow when his father passed away, forcing him to relocate and complete his secondary education at Umoja Secondary School in Uasin Gishu County.
Undeterred, he pursued higher learning, graduating with a Bachelor of Education degree. His thirst for knowledge has not dimmed; today, he is enrolled at the University of Nairobi, Parklands Campus, pursuing a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree. He believes this grounding in law and education uniquely positions him to understand the legislative, representational, and oversight duties of a Member of Parliament.
“I am qualified like any other Kenyan to seek office,” he says. “But beyond qualifications, I believe my legal training equips me to legislate effectively, hold the government accountable, and represent the people with dignity.”
Why he wants to replace Arama
Makokha’s decision to vie for Nakuru Town West MP is not just about personal ambition; it is rooted in deep dissatisfaction with the constituency’s leadership. He paints a grim picture of an area held hostage by threats, intimidation, and underwhelming development.
Read more: Keroche chides Kihika for ‘mocking’ Nakuru residents
“It saddens me that the key agenda of our MP is not development but issuing threats to those who question him,” Makokha says.
“This is a leader who once threatened to shoot his own voters and recently warned that he would send youth to ‘arrest’ critics. Worse still, he has called his own constituents foolish for considering re-electing him for a fourth term.”
Makokha is scathing about Arama’s 15-year tenure. “He may not have spoken in Parliament more than twice since his election. His so-called projects revolve around funeral contributions, donating a bus, building a police station, and a CDF office. That is not dignified representation. We must drain the swamp in Nakuru West.”
A bold manifesto for change
Makokha has unveiled a detailed manifesto anchored on five key pillars: trade, education, security, youth empowerment, and healthcare.
1. Improved trading environment
For years, traders in Nakuru Town West have faced disruptions, sometimes forced to shut down their businesses due to safety concerns linked to pipeline crossings near busy trading centers. Makokha promises to create an alternative market and safer trading spaces.
2. Education for all
Calling education the backbone of society, Makokha pledges to build new classrooms, renovate dilapidated ones, and reduce congestion in schools. For needy students, he promises a radical approach: “All I will require are their details. From secondary school to university, I will ensure no child drops out for lack of fees. For those joining high school, tuition will be fully covered up to Form Four.”
3. Tackling insecurity
Makokha links rising insecurity to youth unemployment and poor infrastructure. “Muggings and stabbings have become common because young people lack jobs. Absence of street lighting makes it worse. We must fix both security and livelihoods.”
4. Real youth empowerment
He dismisses current youth empowerment projects as “laughable.” Plastic seats, tents, and pool tables, he says, only breed idleness and dependence. Instead, Makokha envisions large-scale investments: a manufacturing industry for building materials, construction tenders for local youth, and opportunities to engage in meaningful projects such as road-building.
“Our young people don’t need handouts; they need industries that can employ them,” he argues.
5. Healthcare and KMTC project
Makokha pledges to allocate millions from NG-CDF to build a Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) in the constituency. “We will sponsor bright students to enroll so that both rich and poor can access quality healthcare education,” he says.
Handout culture as a major obstacle
Despite his ambitious plans, Makokha acknowledges that the biggest hurdle remains the entrenched culture of handouts. Many youth, he laments, still equate leadership with generosity on the campaign trail.
“Today, when they visit the current MP, they are given plastic cups of tea and Sh100 for fare. Some are then mobilized to cause mayhem in political rallies. This has to stop,” he says.
Read more: Veronicah Muthaa: Bubbly Gen Z eyeing Leshau Pondo MCA seat
He also points out that many young people have not prioritized registering for identity cards or voter cards, leaving them vulnerable to manipulation. “Without documentation, they remain voiceless in the democratic process.”
Despite these challenges, Makokha insists that the people of Nakuru Town West are yearning for change. His activism as president of Bunge la Mwananchi has already won him grassroots support. “Our society is positive toward any leader who comes with genuine change. They have seen the consequences of poor leadership and are ready for a new chapter.”
He adds that this time, voters are prepared to back leaders with vision rather than those with deep pockets. “Campaign resources will not be a problem because people are tired of bribery. They now know the cost of electing leaders based on handouts.”
Mobilizing for 2027
As 2027 approaches, Makokha is rallying the youth to take charge of their future. His message is simple but forceful: register, vote, and protect your voice.
“I urge the youth not just in Nakuru Town West but across Kenya to register in large numbers. In 2027, it will be our votes that send non-performers home.”
He is confident that the tide is turning in his favor. “For Nakuru Town West, I am certain of victory. The people are hungry for change, and together, we will deliver it.”
New brand of leadership?
According to political analysts, Makokha represents a new generation of leaders — educated, outspoken, and unafraid to take on entrenched political figures.
His campaign will test whether Nakuru Town West voters are ready to break away from old habits of handouts and intimidation, or whether the culture of political patronage will hold firm.
As 2027 draws closer, Nakuru Town West is bound to be one of the most closely watched battlegrounds in Rift Valley politics.
About the Author
