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MP, Eldas & Father of the House
Born
1968(58 yrs)
County
Wajir
Constituency
Eldas
Public Views
Experience
Documented career positions
Adan Keynan Wehliye (born 1968) is the longest-serving Member of Parliament in Kenya's 13th Parliament, earning him the honorary title "Father of the House." He represents Eldas Constituency in Wajir County. A master of political survival, Keynan has been elected under different parties in every election cycle since 1997 (safina, KANU, ODM, Jubilee), showcasing his immense grassroots influence. In the 13th Parliament (2022–2027), he serves as a key ranking member, often bridging the gap between the Northern Kenya parliamentary caucus and the Executive. Despite being elected on a Jubilee (Azimio) ticket, he led a faction of MPs to work with the ruling Kenya Kwanza administration in 2023, emphasizing development over partisanship. He is a former Vice-Chairman of the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) and has chaired powerful committees including Defence and Foreign Relations. His legislative interests focus on pastoralist rights, security in the Horn of Africa, and parliamentary diplomacy.
Longest-serving MP in the 13th Parliament (elected 5 times: 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, 2022)
Vice-Chairman of the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) (2018–2022)
Successfully sponsored the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Bill
Faced a high-profile murder charge in 2005 regarding the death of Somali MP Ibrahim Ali Abdura (he was acquitted for lack of evidence)
Accused of using his position in the PSC to influence tender awards (allegations he strongly denied)
His defection from Azimio to Kenya Kwanza post-2022 election sparked legal battles over the definition of the official opposition
Key figure in the formation of the Upya Movement for Northern Kenya politics
Awarded the Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (CBS) by the President