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Senator for Taita Taveta County
Johnes Mwashushe Mwaruma is serving his second term as Senator for Taita Taveta County, having first been elected in 2017 and re-elected in 2022. He belongs to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and plays active roles in parliamentary committees, including Education, Lands, Environment & Natural Resources, and the County Public Accounts Committee. During his current term he sponsored the Wildlife Conservation and Management (Amendment) Bill (Senate Bill No. 46 of 2023).
View Count
509
County
Taita Taveta
Constituency
Taita Taveta
Political Party
ODM (Azimio La Umoja)
Birth Year
1978
Get to know the story behind the profile.
Johnes Mwashushe Mwaruma is serving his second term as Senator for Taita Taveta County, having first been elected in 2017 and re-elected in 2022. He belongs to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and plays active roles in parliamentary committees, including Education, Lands, Environment & Natural Resources, and the County Public Accounts Committee. During his current term he sponsored the Wildlife Conservation and Management (Amendment) Bill (Senate Bill No. 46 of 2023). Before entering elective politics, Mwaruma built a career in education. From 1996 to 2017 he served as a teacher under the Teachers Service Commission. Concurrently, he was an active official in the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), working at the county level to advocate for teachers’ rights. His academic background includes a Diploma in Education from Kenya Science Teachers College, a Bachelor of Education (Science) from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, and a Master of Education from Aga Khan University, Dar es Salaam.
Highlights that showcase impact and influence.
Sponsored the Wildlife Conservation and Management (Amendment) Bill (Senate Bill No. 46 of 2023).
Led a motion in the Senate compelling the national government to compensate victims of human-wildlife conflict.
Disbursed bursary funds within his county: KSh 48 million (2022/2023) and KSh 60 million (2023/2024) to support needy students.
Advocated for the residents of Marungu (Mghange Mwanda Ward) in land/environment matters through engagement with Senate committee oversight.
A timeline of pivotal roles and responsibilities.
1996 – 2017: Teacher under the Teachers Service Commission (TSC)
Taught in various secondary schools, including St. Mary’s High School (Lushangonyi) and Voi Girls Secondary School
Lectured part-time at Taita Taveta University
Served in leadership roles within the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) at the county level
2017 – Present: Senator for Taita Taveta County
Re-elected in 2022 for a second term
Member of Senate committees: Education; Lands, Environment & Natural Resources; and County Public Accounts Committee
Sponsored the Wildlife Conservation and Management (Amendment) Bill (Senate Bill No. 46 of 2023)
Key events that have shaped public perception.
Wife’s public complaint of a third party In 2019, his wife Margaret Righa publicly claimed that another woman (named Patricia) was being overly close to Senator Mwaruma.
Allegation / remark withdrawal in Senate debate During a Senate session in April 2023, Sen. Mwaruma apologized and withdrew a statement he made after it offended colleagues.
Boundary / land disputes He has been involved in public boundary disputes between Taita Taveta and neighboring counties (Kwale, Kajiado, Makueni) — raising tensions over county border demarcation.
Undisclosed “scandal recall” In Senate votes and proceedings, there’s mention of a “scandal that occurred on 24th September” in a parliamentary document, brought up by Sen. Mwaruma in his contributions. But the document does not clearly specify his direct involvement.