One On One with BOB NJAGI: KAJIADO EAST MP ASPIRATNT
What is your story?
Bob Njagi is a loving father of three boys. An astute born again Christian and member of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa – Kitengela township. I have been a resident of Kajiado County and Kitengela town in particular for the last thirty plus years and I own several properties in Kitengela.
I am a hotelier by profession having graduated from Andrew Hardy College with an advanced diploma. A seasoned businessman with investment in real estate, telecommunications, supplies management, and in Small and medium enterprises (SME).
On a regional level, I am a cofounder of a regional organization called Africans for Africa (AFA). An organization that addresses issues such as climate change, humanitarian relief, good governance, promote education and human rights advocacy in Africa and enhancement of regional unity of the people of Africa.
What is your motivation to run for political office?
As a community and grassroots leader I have helped the formation of many youth/women groups, trade associations, sports associations CBO’s/CSO’s that provide a platform for various people to engage in diverse social economic developmental projects. This has become possible through team work and partnership – a critical component in leadership and development.
Inclusivity with all persons and sectors of society irrespective of tribe, gender, religion or political affiliation. A leader who will enhance unity through inclusivity in sharing of national resources. I am that leader.
What is your political history?
My life in active politics begun in the year 2012 when I together with some colleagues we founded and established youth for Raila (YFORA). A lobby group that spearheaded nationwide campaigns targeting the youth vote to mobilize support and votes for the then presidential candidate Raila Odinga.
As chairman of the youthful, visible and vibrant lobby group I steered through a presidential campaign that saw the team crisscross the length and breadth of Kenya and beyond canvassing for votes amongst Kenyans of all walks of life.
Post 2013 general elections, I was appointed as the first Deputy director of elections/campaigns in 2014 for a five-year term deputizing Hon. Junet Mohammed.
During this period, I helped steer the party through a very turbulent political environment and led the party to
emerge victorious in several by elections including Kajiado Central, Malindi , Homabay, Nyacheki, Kitutu Chache constituency among others.
It is through my influence in this position that I helped manufacture PPE’s for county governments at the onset of
COVID-19. This intervention made it possible for county governments to procure personal protective equipment
such as face masks, overalls and coveralls at a fraction of the cost of KEMSA.
What has been your contribution to humanitarian affairs in the country?
In 2018, I co – founded the Free-Kenya movement. A people driven movement of change. Some of the main Free Kenya
proposed amendments touch on; Tax reforms, People’s governments, Devolution, Better representation of youths , women , PWD’s and the marginalized, Electoral as well as Constitutional commissions and judiciary reforms.
The Free Kenya movement which I have the privilege to serve as the chairperson has representation from across various stakeholders including the civil society, social justice movements, and the media is currently mobilizing 1,000,000 signatures to present to IEBC. It is an organic bill anchored in the web portal www.freekenyasignatures.com
Are you not talking about the disbanded BBI?
More or less. Yes.
What lessons did you learn from your failed attempt as a MP in 2017?
Failed is not the correct word to use considering the ODM nominations never came to fruition. Admittedly, it was my
first attempt in elective politics when I vied for the position of MP Kajiado East together with three other aspirants. The
ODM party primaries were botched leading to the courts which ordered a repeat exercise. If the Party does not correctly manage its primary elections, then it is bound to lose in the general elections.
“RAO has on several times been outgunned but never outfought”
Why do you think you are the best bet for Kajiado East?
Kajiado East is today a fully cosmopolitan constituency whose residents come from all corners of Kenya and other countries worldwide. This great constituency is in dire need for proper representation in the national government. Despite the rapid growth and transformation in the private sector the public sector lags behind in provision of critical and essential government services.
The population has ballooned exponentially and therefore requires proactive and transformative leadership that will champion the social economic development agenda going forward. Having resided for 30 years in Kajiado East, I strongly believe that given an opportunity I will offer strategic leadership that will best articulate issues of concern and come up with sustainable solutions for the betterment of the people.
If elected what would be your priority areas?
The key priority areas will include but not limited to; Climate change action, Improvement of the dilapidated school
infrastructures, I shall strive to development road infrastructures and the sewerage, Youth, women, PWD’s,
minorities empowerment programs through enabling SME’s , youth groups, women groups , CBO’s, CSO’s,
Promoting sports, arts and cultural heritage, Enhancing peace and security for all residents of Kajiado East by encouraging a harmonious coexistence and cohesion amongst all communities living in Kajiado East.
In the recent past you have been
involved in altercation with som e
authorities. What light can you shed
on this?
As a human rights and land rights activist and defender affiliated to many HRD organizations both locally and internationally I have been in the forefront of fighting for grabbed public utilities In Kajiado East and have successfully managed to recover the following public lands that had been unduly allocated to private developers they include the
Kitengela stadium, – Kitengela community grounds behind Tosha petrol station.
And the Kitengela police station behind Jua Kali. . Today this public lands are being utilized for their intended purpose.
What party will be your vehicle of choice for the upcoming elections?
I have been an ordinary member of Orange Democratic movement since 2012 and a life member since 2017. I also have a very special rapport with the ODM leader Raila Odinga.
As for my 2022 bid I will be launching my campaign in the month of February 2022 at which point I will present to the people of Kajiado East the vehicle which we shall use to vie.
Final thoughts?
I have consistently fought for the truth and justice for the common Mwananchi of Kajiado East and beyond. I have been loyal to one political party since 2012 and through it I have gained many contacts and network both nationally and internationally which I can use in good stead to better the lives of Kajiado East residents.
