Gitonga Mukunji: Biography, Career, and His Stand with Gachagua

In the high-stakes, ever-shifting landscape of Kenyan politics, new leaders often emerge by making bold, strategic choices. Few have exemplified this better in recent times than Hon. Gitonga Mukunji, the Member of Parliament for Manyatta Constituency. In a short period, he has transformed from a successful businessman into a key political voice in Embu County, unafraid to plant his flag firmly in the ground, even when the political winds are howling.

The Making of a Manyatta Son

Gitonga Mukunji’s story is deeply rooted in the very soil he now represents. He was born and raised in Gakwegori village, Manyatta Constituency, giving him an authentic, ground-up understanding of the community's struggles and aspirations. He is not an outsider; he is one of their own, a fact that formed the bedrock of his successful 2022 campaign.

His educational journey began at Urban Primary School in Embu before he proceeded to one of the region's most prestigious institutions, Kangaru School, for his secondary education. It was here that his leadership qualities likely began to sharpen. He later transitioned to the corridors of higher learning, earning a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degree, which equipped him with the financial and strategic acumen that would define his future career.

A Career Before Politics

Before his name echoed in parliamentary chambers, Gitonga Mukunji was making his mark in the competitive world of business. He was not a career politician but an entrepreneur who built his success from scratch. He established and ran a thriving logistics and general supplies company, navigating the complexities of commerce in Nairobi and his home county of Embu.

This background is crucial to understanding his political persona. It imbued him with a reputation for being a pragmatic problem-solver and a self-made "hustler"—a narrative that resonated powerfully with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party's ethos. His supporters see him not as someone who talks about creating jobs, but as someone who has actually done it. This business experience provided him with both the financial independence to mount a serious campaign and the credibility to speak on economic empowerment.

Marriage and Family Life

Away from the demanding world of politics and business, Hon. Mukunji is a dedicated family man. He is married and is a proud father. His wife has occasionally been seen supporting him at public functions and community events, but like many of his peers, Mukunji maintains a clear boundary between his public duties and his private family life. This deliberate choice allows him to protect his loved ones from the often-intrusive nature of a political career, earning him respect as a responsible family man.

The Political Gamble: Siding with Gachagua

Elected in 2022 on a UDA ticket, Gitonga Mukunji rode the "yellow wave" that swept through the Mt. Kenya region, unseating a seasoned incumbent. As a first-term MP, he focused his initial efforts on fulfilling campaign promises related to infrastructure, youth employment, and agricultural support in Manyatta.

However, his defining political moment to date came in mid-2024 amidst the widely reported political fallout between President William Ruto and his Deputy, Rigathi Gachagua. As the political camps began to form, many first-term MPs chose silence, preferring to wait and see where the power would ultimately lie.

Gitonga Mukunji chose a different path. He made a clear and unequivocal declaration of his loyalty, opting to side with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. He publicly articulated his stance, framing it as a matter of regional solidarity and respect for the Mt. Kenya leadership structure. He has been quoted arguing that Gachagua, as the senior-most political leader from the region, deserves respect and support from its elected members.

This was not a move without risk. By aligning so openly with the Deputy President, he has positioned himself as a key Gachagua ally in Embu, but also placed himself in potential opposition to the President's faction. It was a calculated decision that cemented his reputation as a courageous and decisive leader, willing to stand by his convictions.

In Hon. Gitonga Mukunji, Manyatta Constituency has a leader who is young, ambitious, and strategically astute. His journey from a village boy to a successful entrepreneur, and now to a bold political player, makes him one of the most compelling figures to watch in the evolving drama of Mt. Kenya politics.