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Member of Parliament, Embakasi Central
Born
1975(51 yrs)
Region
Nairobi
Constituency
Embakasi Central
Public Views
Experience
Documented career positions
Benjamin Gathiru Mwangi, popularly known by his moniker “Mejjadonk”, is a Kenyan politician and two-term Member of Parliament for Embakasi Central Constituency in Nairobi County. First elected in 2017 under the Jubilee Party and re-elected in 2022 on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket, he represents one of Nairobi’s most densely populated and politically competitive urban constituencies. Known as a grassroots mobiliser with a combative style on the floor of the House and on the ground, he has built his brand around being accessible to residents of Kayole and the wider Embakasi Central area, often positioning himself as a defender of informal-settlement and lower-middle-income communities. Before entering Parliament, Gathiru was a businessman and transport-sector organiser, serving as proprietor of Menja Furnisher and director of Prime Transcity Sacco, as well as chairing the Kayole Matatu Owners Association, roles that embedded him in Nairobi’s informal and SME economy. In Parliament, he has served on key committees including the National Government Constituencies Development Fund Committee and the National Cohesion & Equal Opportunity Committee, and has recently drawn national attention for sponsoring the Universities (Amendment) Bill 2023, which seeks to restrict universities to degree and postgraduate programmes and move diploma and certificate training fully to TVET institutions.
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Two-term MP for Embakasi Central: First elected in 2017 and re-elected in 2022, where he garnered 48,277 votes to retain the seat, confirming his political strength in a crowded Nairobi battleground.
Sponsor of Universities (Amendment) Bill 2023: Introduced a high-profile bill seeking to scrap certificate and diploma courses from universities, arguing that universities should focus on degree and postgraduate training while TVETs handle sub-degree programmes—sparking national debate on higher-education structure.
Arrest during Nyama Villa demolitions (2018): Gained national attention when he was arrested at Nyama Villa Estate in Kayole after attempting to stop demolitions of multi-million-shilling buildings; he demanded to see eviction notices and was bundled into a police vehicle as residents protested.
Obstruction case and acquittal (2018–2021): Was charged with obstructing police officers from performing their duties in a 2018 incident; in October 2021, a Nairobi court acquitted him, ruling he had no case to answer, along with his co-accused.
Allegations linked to protests and political unrest: In 2024 he and Embakasi North MP James Gakuya were questioned by DCI over alleged sponsorship of anti-tax protests; he and allies publicly framed the move as political “witch-hunt” and insisted protests were organic. These are allegations and investigations, not proven offences.
Education and school-infrastructure projects: Through NG-CDF and partnerships, he is credited (in local communications) with perimeter-wall security upgrades and other works in public schools across Embakasi Central, part of a broader focus on education funding and safety.
Recognition for performance: Has received local awards and commendations, including being cited in Nairobi-focused award schemes and civic groups as one of the more active MPs on constituency development and public engagement, a narrative he amplifies via his own platforms.
Polarised public image: His confrontational defence of constituents during demolitions, strong alignment with UDA and visible role in Nairobi and Mt Kenya politics have made him a polarising figure—praised by supporters as a fearless grassroots defender, and criticised by opponents over association with hardline political factions and episodes of crowd unrest around some rallies and church events.
