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Member of Parliament, Budalangi
Born
1964(62 yrs)
County
Busia
Constituency
Budalangi
Public Views
Experience
Documented career positions
Raphael Bitta Sauti Wanjala (born 23 June 1964) is a veteran Kenyan politician serving as the Member of Parliament for Budalangi Constituency in Busia County. He first captured the Budalangi seat in the 1997 and 2002 elections, lost it in 2007, and then regained it in 2017 on an ODM ticket, retaining it again in the 2022 general election. This makes him one of the longest-serving and most recognisable MPs from the flood-prone constituency along the shores of Lake Victoria, where he has been a central actor in debates on flooding, resettlement and development. Wanjala is widely known for his colourful, combative political style—frank, often humorous, and unapologetically vocal in defence of Budalangi. Hansard records and media coverage frequently show him challenging both government and media narratives, insisting that Budalangi’s historical marginalisation, flood disasters and infrastructural gaps remain on the national agenda. Over the years he has also served as an Assistant Minister in previous administrations, and remains a loyal ODM foot soldier allied to Raila Odinga, regularly appearing at party events and public rallies.
Multi-term MP for Budalangi (1997–2007; 2017–present): Served as MP from 1997 to 2007, then again from 2017 onwards, giving him over a decade and a half of parliamentary experience representing Budalangi.
Assistant Minister in previous governments: Held the position of Assistant Minister (variously referenced in biographies and local media), reflecting recognition within the executive of his political weight and constituency base.
He has faced legal challenges in the past, including being detained in India in 2008 alongside a former lover over curren2013 arrest with businesswoman Joyce Akinyi (drug-trafficking suspicions): In 2013, NTV and other outlets reported that former Budalangi MP Raphael Wanjala and his partner Joyce Akinyi were arrested on suspicion of involvement in narcotics trafficking; the case drew heavy media attention, though publicly available records do not show a resulting high-profile conviction against himcy declaration issues.
Criticism over education credentials and performance: Online forums and local commentators have at times mocked his limited formal post-college academic qualifications and flamboyant style, with some calling him “an embarrassment” academically—criticisms he has countered by emphasising his teaching background and political experience.
News articles featuring Raphael Wanjala
Persistent advocate on Budalangi flooding and infrastructure: Over multiple terms he has been the most visible national voice on Budalangi’s perennial flooding—pressing for dykes, resettlement plans and disaster-response funding, and featuring in parliamentary and media debates on mitigation.
Recognised grassroots mobiliser and defender of Budalangi’s interests: Commentaries and local forums describe him as a “star performer” for his ability to mobilise voters, speak bluntly in the House, and keep Budalangi’s issues—floods, roads, schools, electricity—constantly in view.
Election petition after 2017 win: His 2017 victory was challenged in Busia High Court Election Petition No. 3 of 2017 (Mercy Achieng Mola & another v Raphael Bitta Sauti Wanjala & others); the petition ultimately failed to unseat him, but added legal scrutiny to his comeback
