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Senator for Tharaka Nithi County
Born
1970(56 yrs)
County
Tharaka Nithi
Constituency
Tharaka Nithi
Public Views
Experience
Documented career positions
Senator Mwenda Gataya—popularly known as Mo’fire—is the elected Senator for Tharaka Nithi County on a UDA ticket and currently serves in the Senate as Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, a role that places him at the centre of how Kenya’s regulations are scrutinised and aligned to the law. Before joining the Senate in August 2022, Gataya built his political foundation at the grassroots as the Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Mukothima Ward in Tharaka Constituency, serving in the Tharaka Nithi County Assembly (2013–2022). During this period, he also chaired the County Assembly Education Committee and the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), sharpening his leadership, oversight, and accountability credentials. Prior to elective politics, he served in the civil service (1990–2007). In Parliament, Mo’fire’s public identity is anchored in practical, people-first oversight—pushing for stronger public service delivery and accountability—while his committee work has included reviewing major sets of regulations, including those touching on the health sector. For Tharaka Nithi, his leadership narrative is framed around measurable progress: advocating for fair access to education, improved healthcare protections, environmental stewardship, and better infrastructure—roads, water, classrooms, and electricity—positioning him as a Senator whose politics is built on visibility, service, and results.
Strengthened Parliamentary Oversight on Delegated Legislation As Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, Mo’fire has played a critical role in scrutinising regulations issued by ministries and state agencies, ensuring they align with the Constitution, protect public interest, and do not overreach executive authority.
Champion for Accessible Healthcare and Human Dignity He has been a strong advocate for reforms in public healthcare, notably pushing for waiver systems in public hospitals to prevent the detention of new mothers and vulnerable patients due to inability to pay medical bills—placing human dignity at the centre of health policy.
Grassroots-Driven Development Oversight in Tharaka Nithi Through his Senate oversight role, he has consistently advocated for improved classrooms, water access, road networks, and rural electrification in Tharaka Nithi County, ensuring national resources translate into visible, on-the-ground impact.
Education Equity and Social Advocacy Drawing from his background in education, Mo’fire has championed equal access to quality education regardless of socio-economic background, while also advancing conversations and policy focus on the welfare of the boy child and men, an often under-represented social issue.
Environmental Conservation and Sustainable Governance He has actively supported environmental conservation and sustainable development initiatives, promoting responsible land use, environmental protection, and long-term planning at both county and national levels.
