'Hustler' beats governor, tycoons to clinch Embu senator seat

Alexander Mundigi (right). [Muriithi Mugo, Standard]

With political ambitions, in 2007, he vied for Mbeere South (Gachoka ) parliamentary seat on a Democratic Party ticket, but never made it beyond nominations.

He says he lost the seat due to a lack of financial resources.

"I got frustrated and went back to KenGen. I didn't vie in 2013, but I managed to finish second as an independent candidate in 2017," Mundigi said.

While working for KenGen, Mundigi, ventured into the matatu business.

He owned 10 matatus and he rose to become an official at Kiritiri Embu Transport Nissan Operators (KETNO).

The business did not do well after he was transferred from the Seven Forks Hydro Power stations to West Pokot.

"While away from the operation area of my PSV vehicles, there was mismanagement and the business collapsed," he said.

While at KenGen, Mundigi was also a union leader and here, he gained lobbying skills that he promises to utilise in the Senate.

"I want to unite all Embu leaders to speak in one voice, while at the same time, playing the key role of oversight and lobbying of resources for Embu County. The county needs more money for health services and infrastructure development," Mundigi said.

Alexander Mundigi (centre) speaks during a past event. [Joseph Muchiri, Standard]

Mundigi said he never missed any community function that locals invited him to.

"That is why I also came up with the slogan 'Kava Mundigi twonaga' (We value Mundigi who is always present). I never missed weddings, funerals or community events. That is where I sold my agenda," he said.

He claims that during Deputy President William Ruto's last tour in Embu town, he was not officially introduced despite vying with a Kenya Kwanza affiliate party.

However, Ruto recognised him after the crowd went into a frenzy, and started shouting his name.

Mundigi said he held a harambee and only managed to raise Sh300,000, adding that he is grateful to well-wishers, who branded his vehicle and donated posters during the last weeks of his campaign.

"At some point, I couldn't afford the Sh600 to pay the agents. I almost gave up, but I trusted in God," said the senator-elect.