He is one of the most powerful politicians in the country today. With the prestigious position of Minority Whip in the National Assembly, Junet Mohammed is enjoying his moment as an MP. However, his political journey has been a long one. And the real face behind his political rise is operating behind-the-scenes.
Owino Likowa is the man who touched the political life of the ODM Director of Elections. But for the former Migori MP, little credit goes to him.
Having run his campaign team during the 2002 election, Likowa asked Raila Odinga, the then highflying NARC luminary to consider the little-known Junet to be a Councillor. And his wishes were granted.
Later on, Junet would come face to face with Raila in a meeting that would change his political life for good. With the former Lang'ata MP seeing some potential in the little-known man, he asked the councillors to elect him as the new Mayor, a position he won overwhelmingly. At 26, he was probably one of the youngest Mayors in Kenya.
Come 2007 election, he was elected councillor and once again, Raila rooted for his election as Mayor. He announced his proper arrival into Migori politics in 2013, winning the MP seat.
Seen by many as the next Migori Governor, Junet Mohammed has also won Raila's trust. However, with his rising political star, the man who introduced him to Odinga is fighting for his political life.