From Nairobi deputy governor nominee to nominated senator- Tabitha Mutinda shares life story

Nominated Senator Tabitha Mutinda has become one of the most popular politicians who joined government  after last year's elections.

In an interview with TV47's Mfahamu Kiongozi show, Senator Mutinda revealed that education enabled her stand out despite being the eight born in a family of nine siblings.

"I was born in Athi River by a single mother although we moved to Kitui where I schooled. I was always top three in class since primary school," she narrated.

The politician dreamt of joining the medical field either as a doctor or pharmacist although life chose a different path for her along the way.

"I did well in my Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination but there were no funds for me to join university and pursue medicine. I sat with my mother and we agreed that I would start at the college level," Senator Mutinda revealed.

She ended up pursuing a diploma in pharmacy at Kabete National Polytechnic and even practised for a while.

Mutinda would however change course by applying to University of Nairobi where she acquired a Bachelors degree in Commerce and a Masters degree in International Business.

She is currently pursuing a PhD at the same institution.

Away from the professional life, the senator says her family-husband and daughter- has been her pillar.

"This is my tenth year in marriage. My husband has really supported me. We have very good communication so he understands my dreams and I do the same for him," she added.

Mutinda made an entry into the political world in 2013 when Jubilee took over power. She worked as a secretary in a constituency development fund committee in Embakasi East, Nairobi.

In 2017, she backed Peter Kenneth's gubernatorial bid after dropping out from the presidential race. Mutinda was in Kenneth's secretariat team which allowed her interact with popular politicians.

She would finally master enough confidence to seek a political seat in the 2022 general elections.

Senator Mutinda initially intended to go for the Nairobi Women Representative seat under a United Democratic Alliance ticket.

"I sat with our then Chairman Johnstone Muthama who told me they planned to nominate someone from Eastern region as Nairobi deputy governor. When UDA backed Sakaja as the gubernatorial candidate, I was proposed to become the deputy governor," she explained.

However, a change of plans came about when Azimio also nominated someone from eastern to become deputy governor. 

The senatorial nomination would eventually be offered to Mutinda in a meeting with President William Ruto.

Senator Mutinda's star has continued to shine in the senate, where she was recently elected as Vice Chairperson in the Kenyan Women Senators Association leadership.

She acknowledged that her beauty has attracted a lot of men, which she affirmed has not been a threat to her marriage.

"I appreciate it when men commend my beauty and I tell them that is God's creation. It is not my husband's duty to dismiss men approaching me, it is mine. I have always been very open about my marital status so I have not had any difficulties," the senator added.

Watch full interview here: