[Jimmy Angwenyi in a past event. He is serving his fifth term in parliament. Photo/Nation]
Within the cycles of Gusii politics, the name Jimmy Angwenyi stands among the many household politicians who have represented the community in elective politics.
Elected for the first term in 1996 to represent Kitutu Chache constituency upon the death of Zachary Onyonka, Angwenyi is among few MPs who have served longer in parliament.
Cumulatively, Angwenyi has served five terms of 17 years and stands the oldest MP besides Senator James Orengo, who has served in parliament for 23 years.
Having been elected in 1996, Angwenyi would successfully defend his seat in 1997 and 2002 before losing the seat to Richard Onyonka, son of his predecessor in 2007 elections.
He would later bounce back in 2013 as MP former Kitutu Chache North after splitting of initial Kitutu Chache constituency. In 2017, he easily defended his seat to make history for serving in five parliaments.
“I wonder how the grandfather of the house is keen to speak today. It seems he has something to lecture us,” observed deputy speaker of National Assembly Moses Cheboi.
“I wonder why our grandfather is making it early to parliament before me today, there must be something he wants deliberated,” said Junet Mohammed in a past parliament proceedings.
Professionally, Angwenyi is a certified banker and at one point he served as a senior lecturer in the University of Nairobi before joining politics.
Being a serious defender of Jubilee administration, Angwenyi was rewarded by President Uhuru Kenyatta to serve as Deputy Majority Leader.