Kapseret Member of Parliament (MP) Oscar Sudi has emerged as a prominent figure in Kenyan politics, known for his unwavering support of President William Ruto and his outspoken nature.
His journey from humble beginnings to a key political player is a testament to resilience and determination.
Despite facing significant challenges in his early education, Sudi has navigated a complex career path that intertwines business acumen with political ambition.
In this article, WoK looks into the educational background and career trajectory of Sudi, exploring how his experiences have shaped his role in the political landscape.
Education
Sudi has faced significant scrutiny regarding his educational background.
He claims to have attended Highway High School from 2003 to 2006 and to have obtained a Diploma in Business Management from the Kenya Institute of Management between 2007 and 2008.
In October 2016, Sudi was charged with forging academic certificates, including a Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) certificate and a diploma from the Kenya Institute of Management.
The prosecution alleged that he presented these fake academic certificates to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
In May 2022, the former principal of Highway High School testified in court that Sudi did not sit for the KCSE examination at the school in 2006, as he had claimed.
Despite these allegations, in June 2024, the court acquitted Sudi of all charges related to academic forgery, citing a botched police investigation.
Honorary degree
On December 21, 2024, Sudi was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Leadership, Administration, and Management by Northwestern Christian University during a ceremony held at Eldoret National Polytechnic.
This conferment sparked criticism, particularly regarding the use of the title “Engineer” in the honorary degree certificate.
The Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) directed the university to withdraw the certificate and remove the unauthorized title, emphasizing that the use of “Eng.” is reserved for registered professional and consulting engineers.
Northwestern Christian University, the institution that awarded Sudi the honorary doctorate, has faced scrutiny over its accreditation status.
In mid-2023, the Commission for University Education (CUE) in Kenya listed 13 institutions, including Northwestern Christian University, that were illegally offering diplomas, degrees, and postgraduate programs in Kenya.
CUE warned Kenyans against enrolling in these institutions, stating that their academic papers would not be recognized.
Before politics
In his early years, Sudi worked as a cattle herder and later as a matatu tout in Eldoret.
By 1998, he had learned to drive and began working as a matatu driver.
Demonstrating entrepreneurial spirit, Sudi saved his earnings to invest in farming, cultivating three acres initially and expanding to seven acres the following year.
Transitioning into business, Sudi ventured into the real estate sector and operated a car dealership, which significantly contributed to his wealth accumulation.
His business acumen paved the way for his entry into politics.
Political career
In 2013, Sudi was elected as the Member of Parliament for Kapseret Constituency in Uasin Gishu County.
During his tenure from 2013 to 2017, Sudi served on the Departmental Committee on Lands, the Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee, and the Procedure and House Rules Committee.
Following his re-election in 2017, he became a member of the Departmental Committee on Energy.
Sudi is recognized as a close ally of President William Ruto and has been described as a “political engineer” within Ruto’s administration.
His influence and proximity to the president have positioned him as a significant figure in Kenyan politics.
Throughout his political career, Sudi has been involved in various controversies, including allegations of hate speech and forgery of academic credentials.
In September 2020, he faced accusations of hate speech towards then-President Uhuru Kenyatta, leading to his arrest.
Despite these controversies, Sudi has maintained his political position and continues to be an influential figure in Kenyan politics, particularly within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.
