In Kenyan politics, especially in busy urban areas like Nairobi, some leaders keep coming back into the picture even after time away. One name that has started to draw attention again is Simon Mbugua in the race for Member of Parliament in Kamukunji Constituency.
A recent conversation on the Political Ringside show, your number one political affairs show brought this topic to light through a frank discussion between host Kevin Waswa and guest Deacon Ochieng.
Deacon Ochieng spoke with clear confidence about why he believes Simon Mbugua deserves another chance to represent the people of Kamukunji. He pointed out that Mbugua served as the area’s MP between 2007 and 2011.
During that period, he worked on issues that matter to everyday residents, such as pushing for better roads and installing streetlights in parts of the constituency.
Deacon also mentioned Mbugua’s efforts to protect local markets, including one known as Salong Jogorod milk market, where traders needed support to keep operating.
After his time in the Kenyan parliament, Mbugua went on to serve in the East African Legislative Assembly from 2017 to 2022. This gave him experience looking at issues beyond just one country, something Deacon thinks can help bring fresh ideas to local problems in Nairobi.
He described Mbugua as someone with deep roots in the community, calling him a “lion” who knows how to mark and protect his territory.
According to the guest, this means Mbugua has always shown a strong sense of loyalty to the people he represents, even when he was not holding an official position.
One area that came up strongly in the talk was the work done through the Simon Mbugua Foundation.
Deacon explained that the foundation has been active in supporting education by offering scholarships to more than 200 students and providing monthly stipends of around 10,000 shillings to help with school needs.
On the youth side, the foundation has organized driving courses for over 100 young people to improve their skills and chances of getting jobs.
There have also been sports tournaments that gave out prizes like motorcycles and public service vehicles, giving winners a real boost in life.
Cleanliness campaigns across different wards formed another part of the discussion.
These efforts covered areas such as California, Eastleigh South, Moi Airbase, and Eastleigh North. The idea is to keep the constituency looking better and create a healthier environment for families. Deacon stressed that these activities show Mbugua’s commitment does not stop when elections end.
He continues to stay connected with the ground through these initiatives.
The conversation did not shy away from comparing Mbugua to the current leadership in Kamukunji. Deacon felt that the sitting MP has not delivered enough, and the constituency can achieve more with the right person in place.
He talked about bringing back a sense of vibrancy and hope that he believes was stronger in earlier years.
Questions from the host Kevin Waswa helped test these views, asking about voter sentiment, loyalty networks, and whether Mbugua’s influence remains strong enough for a comeback in the 2027 elections.
Deacon responded by highlighting the importance of grassroots structures. He said Mbugua has been quietly building support through community work rather than loud promises.
There was mention that Mbugua might choose to run as an independent candidate, focusing on issues that people in Kamukunji face every day, such as access to better services and opportunities for young people.
The guest dismissed some criticisms by saying there is no strong basis for complaints against Mbugua’s record, and he even invited those with different views to join future public debates.
Another point raised was the need for leaders who show transparency and careful use of resources.
Deacon drew a small comparison to how places like Singapore have grown through smart planning and discipline, suggesting that similar thinking could help transform parts of Nairobi.
He believes Mbugua brings a mix of past experience and ongoing community involvement that sets him apart from others in the race.
Of course, not everyone agrees. Some online comments under the video raised questions about past integrity issues linked to Mbugua, showing that Kenyan politics often involves tough scrutiny.
The discussion on Political Ringside gives a window into how constituency-level races work in Kenya. It shows the role of personal connections, past performance, and continued community service in shaping voter opinions.
