By Prudence Minayo
Alfred Nganga Mutua is a Kenyan politician and a movie producer. His humble beginnings notwithstanding, the Machakos Governor never stopped believing and working towards realizing his dreams. He goes down in history as the first official government spokesman in Kenya.
Age
He was born on the 22nd of August 1970 in Masii, the interior parts of Machakos.
Education
Nursery: Guadalupe church Nursery School
Primary: Toi Primary School, Kibera
Secondary: Dagoretti High School (O level)
Jamhuri High School ( A level)
During his high school days, he became the president of the senior debating society. Dagoretti High School was the perfect incubator for his acting and script writing skills. Later, he proceeded to Whitworth College, for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism. He attended the Eastern Washington University , USA, for a Master of Science Degree in Communications. He later on joined the University of Western Sydney, Australia for a Doctorate in Communication and Media.
Family
The well mannered Governor was brought up in abject poverty and much was expected of him as the firstborn in the family. The family moved from Masii, Machakos to Makina area, Kibera slums where Alfred and his sister Anne were raised. Alfred worked hard to fulfill his dreams of having a better future.
Marriage
Dr. Alfred Mutua was first married to Josephine Thitu Maundu in 2001 and the couple was blessed with three children. In 2015, they officially divorced and it is reported that his first family relocated to Australia.
His second and current wife is called Lilian, a beautiful young lady with a great sense of fashion.
Also Read: Lilian Ng’ang’a Biography, Age, Education, Career, Philanthropy, Marriage & Breaking Up With Mutua
Breaking up with Lillian
The Governor went on social media platforms to inform his followers that he had parted ways with Lillian. Part of his long post on Facebook read:
Career
The very first job he worked was in construction, popularly referred to as mjengo in Kenya.
At the age of 27, he worked as a lecturer at Daystar University and later as an assistant professor at Zayed University in Dubai. Mutua worked as a journalist and is best remembered for his articles under the title of ‘Msafiri’.
The governor ranks among the best script writers in Kenya. He produced and directed movies under his production company, Golden Dreams Company Limited. He produced Kenya’s first ever action movie series known as “Cobra Squad” that involved A-list actors like Charles Bukeko (Papa Shirandula). The action movie was epic and written in such a captivating manner. In an article published by Daily Nation, the governor rubbished allegations of stealing county funds saying he had enough to engage in corruption. He also declared how much “Cobra Squad” earned him:
“ I started my own company at the age of 19 .. I formed a company then left the country. When I came back I started Cobra Squad, whose first series earned me Sh25 million and the next one Sh11 million,” he said.
The production company also released a drama series called “Bebabeba” which used to air on NTV once a week at 7: 30 p.m.
In 2004, former president Mwai Kibaki appointed him the first ever official government spokesman in Kenya. He acted in this role until 2012 when he quit to run for the gubernatorial seat of Machakos county.
He won this seat under the Wiper Democratic party but in 2016, he formed the Maendeleo Chap Chap movement that evolved into a party. In the same year, there was a motion to impeach him as governor of the county but it did not succeed and he retained the position.
In the 2017 elections, he vied for the same seat against Wavinya Ndeti and Benard Kiala, his former deputy. He won the elections which was contested but he retained the position.
Time and again, the former government spokesman has expressed his wish to be the president of Kenya. In an interview with Citizen TV on Jeff Koinange Live (JKL), this is part of what he said on the 2022 elections:
I don’t agree with the whole idea of impeaching William Ruto, first of all, I don’t think it could succeed because we also don’t want to destabilize the country,”
“But also because I want to be given a chance to beat him fairly in 2022 when I run for president,” said Dr. Mutua.
“….If you see me on the ballot in 2022, which I plan to be, it will mean that I am winning; it will mean that I will win, I don’t go into things blindly,” he confidently added.
This means that Kenyans can expect him to vie for the presidency come 2022.
Development Projects Initiated By Mutua
Mutua had a manifesto that was geared towards making Machakos the model county in Kenya. He has to some extent managed to achieve the very high bar he had placed for himself. Some of the development projects he had promised the people of Machakos include:
40 new community hospitals
120 security cars
Dozens of CCTVs
Five call centres spread in sub-counties all with a call centre to ensure people access services within the shortest time possible.
80 ambulances designated for emergency response.
Construction of about 300 factories
Machakos has one of the best parks in the country-the People’s Park that also has an amphitheatre. The governor has done a lot in promoting arts. Apart from that, the Governor will be remembered for the iconic ‘White House’ that houses his offices.
