In a country where politics is often associated with corruption and unethical behaviour, it is rare to come across politicians who are truly intelligent and have the people’s best interests at heart.

However, a select few stand out for their intelligence, integrity, and dedication to making Kenya a better place.

Here are the top 10 most intelligent politicians in Kenya as of 2023.

1. Raila Odinga

The former Prime Minister and leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is known for his intelligence, strategic thinking, and political acumen.

He is a master of coalition building and deeply understands the Kenyan political landscape.

He has also been a vocal advocate for good governance and transparency in government.

If you were to pick a politician tested by fire in Kenya, I bet you would place a bet on Raila Odinga.

His intelligence in matters of politics remains unmatched.

2. Uhuru Kenyatta

The former President of Kenya is known for his intelligence and leadership skills.

He has a strong understanding of economic and business matters and has been credited with implementing policies that have helped to spur economic growth in Kenya.

He has also been a strong advocate for national unity and has worked to improve relations between different ethnic groups in the country.

Kenya witnessed immense transformations in all sectors during President Uhuru’s 10-year tenure.

All due to his remarkable knowledge of power and intelligence.

3. William Ruto

The president of Kenya is known for his intelligence, strategic thinking, and ability to connect with the common man.

He deeply understands the political landscape and is a master of grassroots mobilization.

His political knowledge and intelligence have kept his boat buoyant since he began his career in politics.

He has also been a strong advocate for development and has worked to improve people’s lives in rural areas.

4. Moses Wetangula

The leader of the Ford-Kenya party and current speaker of The National Assembly is undoubtedly intelligent.

He is also known for his oratory skills and ability to connect with people.

Moses Wetangula has, over the years, presented himself as a vocal advocate for good governance and transparency in government.

5. Peter Kenneth

The former MP and businessman is known for his intelligence, strategic thinking, and ability to connect with the common man.

He is a master of grassroots mobilization.

Peter Kenneth has also been a strong advocate for development and has worked to improve people’s lives in rural areas.

6. Martha Karua

The former MP and leader of the Narc-Kenya party is among the few women politicians in Kenya.

She is an intelligent, straightforward and resilient woman dubbed ‘The Iron Lady’.

There is no denying that Raila chose her as a running mate because of her impeccable leadership skills, great knowledge of the constitution, and servanthood.

Karua has also been a vocal advocate for good governance and transparency in government for many years.

7. James Orengo

James Orengo is a household name in Kenya.

He is one of the most intelligent and respected lawyers in the country.

Orengo has won many cases in court, including the nullification of the 2017 elections.

His deep scrutiny of matters is what revealed the inconsistencies of the elections.

Orengo is hawk-eyed for details, which is why he has earned a lot of respect from leaders and the citizens of Kenya.

8. Johnstone Muthama

The former Senator and chairman of the UDA party, which won the 2022 elections, is a strategic thinker with a profound ability to connect with people.

He has advocated for transparent governance and contributed immensely towards the country’s transformation.

9. Kalonzo Musyoka

The former Vice President and leader of the Wiper Democratic Movement is known for his intelligence, strategic thinking, and ability to connect with the common man.

Kalonzo is a trained lawyer who has advocated for transparent governance for decades.

He has gathered rich knowledge of leadership through his years in public service.

He is also a great orator who lays facts in a crystal-clear presentation whenever he speaks.

10. Aden Duale

Duale is among the few politicians who have rarely lost in an election.

Even so, he has served in many capacities, including as the leader of the majority in the national assembly.

He is now the cabinet secretary for defence, thanks to his mastery of issues.

For his intelligence and rich experience, President Ruto appointed him to one of the most critical ministries in the country.

Parting Thoughts

These ten politicians stand out for their intelligence, strategic thinking, and dedication to making Kenya a better place.

They are apt masters of coalition building and grassroots mobilization and are vocal advocates for good governance and transparency in government.

They have worked to improve the lives of people in rural areas and have been instrumental in the country’s economic growth.

While there are undoubtedly other intelligent politicians in Kenya, these 10 stand out as some of the best and brightest in the country.

They are a testament to the fact that there is hope for a brighter future for Kenya as long as we have leaders who are truly dedicated to serving the people.

You may also want to check: THE MOST FEARED POLITICIANS IN KENYA

In any democracy, the role of the opposition leader is crucial in holding the government accountable for its actions.

The opposition leader scrutinizes government policies and decisions and proposes alternative solutions.

In Kenya, the opposition leader is entitled to a salary and other benefits, just like any other elected official.

You may have wondered whether the opposition leader receives any salary.

Well, hang tight as we look at the opposition leader’s salary in Kenya and how it compares to other elected officials.

Who Holds The Position Of The Opposition Leader?

The leader of the political party or coalition with the second-largest number of seats in the National Assembly holds the opposition leader in Kenya.

The debate over opposition leader salary in Kenya began in 2016 when the government proposed a salary increase for the position.

The proposed increase was met with mixed reactions, with some arguing that the opposition leader should be better compensated for their important role in the country’s democracy.

In contrast, others felt that the salary increase was unnecessary and that the money could be better spent elsewhere.

Arguments for an Increase

Proponents of a salary increase for the opposition leader argue that the role is just as important as that of the Speaker of the National Assembly.

They also proposed that the opposition leader should be compensated accordingly.

They also point out that the opposition leader has many responsibilities, including holding the government accountable, providing an alternative viewpoint on issues, and representing the interests of their constituents.

Arguments against an Increase

Opponents of a salary increase for the opposition leader argue that the position needs to be more well-defined in the constitution and that there is no clear need for the role to be compensated.

They also argue that the money could be better spent elsewhere, such as on social services or infrastructure.

Opposition Leader Salary in Kenya

According to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), the opposition leader in Kenya earns a basic salary of KES 1,012,500 per month.

This is the same as the basic salary of a Member of Parliament (MP) and includes all benefits and allowances.

In addition to the basic salary, the opposition leader is entitled to a house allowance of KES 150,000 per month and a hardship allowance of KES 100,000 per month.

Comparison with Other Elected Officials

Compared to other elected officials in Kenya, the opposition leader’s salary is on par with the basic salary of an MP.

However, it is lower than the basic salary of a Cabinet Secretary, who earns KES 1,450,000 per month.

The President of Kenya earns the highest basic salary, at KES 2,222,222 per month.

The debate over the opposition leader’s salary in Kenya continues, with both sides putting forward valid arguments.

Ultimately, it is up to the government and the citizens of Kenya to determine the appropriate level of compensation for the opposition leader.

Since the implementation of the 2010 Constitution of Kenya kicked off, more women have had the chance to join politics.

 That’s because the constitution created many government positions for women through affirmative action and the two-thirds gender representation rule.

Currently, the country has the highest number of female politicians in history.

Below is a highlight of the most beautiful female politicians in Kenya today.

1. Josphine Naisula Lesuuda  

She is the sitting MP for Samburu West constituency in Samburu County.

The graceful lady is not just a mere politician but also a staunch women rights activist.

She graduated from Daystar University with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Community Development in 2007 and worked at KBC as a news anchor before joining politics.

She made history in 2017 for emerging the first elected woman MP from Samburu County.

The 38 year old was elected on a KANU ticket.

Naisula is fond of wearing traditional Maa attire comprising of colorful beaded jewelry and dresses.

Her calm and collected demeanor has earned her a lot of admiration from various quarters. S

She is married to one Robert Kiplagat and is mum to one child.

2. Anne Waiguru

This beautiful daughter of Mumbi hails from Kirinyaga County.

She is the current Governor of Kirinyaga, serving her second term.

The UDA governor has had a tumultuous political career but she’s somewhat managed to hold on.

Her resilience and confidence makes her stand out as an iron lady and a role model for many young girls.

In her second term as governor, she also beat the odds and got elected as the chairperson of the council of Governors of Kenya—the first woman to hold the position.

Waiguru is married to city lawyer Kamotho Waiganjo and has three sons from her previous marriage.

3. Esther Muthoni Passaris

A super gorgeous, well-spoken mixed race city girl and a die-hard supporter of Baba.

She is the woman representative of Nairobi County, currently serving her second term.

She is arguably the most physically attractive female politician in Kenya today.

Passaris attended the Aga Khan academy for her primary and O-Level education before proceeding to Strathmore University to pursue a management course and later a BSc in International Business from USIU-Africa.

 She is a mum to two children that she sired with her ex-husband Pius Ngugi.

4. Fatuma Gedi Ali

The best known female politician from North Eastern Kenya.

She came to the limelight in 2017 after winning the Woman Representative seat for Wajir County which she held till August 2022.

 The pretty hijabi lost the seat in the last election and is currently a member of the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) where she will serve for a period of six years.

She holds a diploma in Agriculture and Home Economics as well as a Master’s degree in Agricultural Extension from the University of Reading in the UK.

5. Mishi Mboko

The first Woman Representative of Mombasa County.

She is undoubtedly the most vocal female politician from Kenya’s coastal region.

A relentless ODM member, she is now the MP for Likoni Constituency in Mombasa County.

Mishi is popular for her fluency in spoken Coastal Swahili dialect.

She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and Public Relations from Moi University.

The Muslim politician was divorced by her husband after joining politics

6. Karen Nyamu

One of the youngest and hottest Kenyan female politicians.

She joined politics in 2017 when she unsuccessfuly vied for the Nairobi Woman Representative seat.

She is currently a nominated senator under UDA party, representing the youth.

 Karen is a lawyer by profession and a high court of Kenya advocate.

She holds a Bachelor of Laws degree and runs a law firm in the city.

It is alleged that she is in an entanglement with popular Mugithi singer, Samidoh.

She is a mum to two beautiful children.

7. Wavinya Ndeti

She is the current Governor of Machakos County in South Eastern Kenya, having been elected on a Wiper Party ticket.

The queen from Kamba land is known to rock some of the best outfits especially in public events.

She of the “Yaliyo ndwele sipite” fame has got looks for sure.

Someone once made a joke that she is a Cardi-B look-alike J)

Also Check: 10 Most Handsome Politicians in Kenya Right Now

Today, more African leaders are embracing good governance and adopting democratic policies.

They are respecting human rights and are more accountable to their citizens, although it’s happening at a snail’s speed.

But the bad ones still exist. For example, in Kenya, politicians can be deadly.

In fact, the population perceives them as liars, greedy and dangerous.

They’ve learned to use fear as a political weapon and they’ll use their power to destroy anything and anyone that interferes with their livelihoods and way of life.

In this segment, we are going to highlight 6 of the most feared politicians in Kenya and why they are feared.

Read on…

1. William Samoe Ruto

In Kenya, the president is, naturally, the most powerful and feared politician.

This is because he is the country’s head of state and government.

He Is the Commander-in-Chief of the military. He Exercises the country’s executive authority.

 In other words, he holds the ultimate power. His decision is final. He decides who stays in power and who exits, and who lives and who dies.

Besides the executive power, Ruto’s personality makes him the most feared politician in Kenya.

He is aggressive. He pursues his ambitions intelligently and fearlessly.

This is evident in the last elections, which he won even with his competitor, Raila Odinga, having the state machinery on his side.

He is also a people person, owing to his humble beginnings. This makes him popular with the majority of Kenyans who live below the poverty line.

 This ”people person” attribute has made him become feared by the political class.

The political class wants to maintain the status quo (the class system), which aims to impoverish and marginalize the less fortunate to further their capitalist agenda. 

2. Raila Amollo Odinga

While the presidency has always eluded him, Raila Odinga is one of the most feared politicians in Kenya.

In fact, he is feared both locally and internationally.

Locally, he is feared by the ruling class (the government of the day). He is not afraid to criticize the government when it’s going against the grain or not delivering on its promises.

For example, he is now taking the current government to task for not delivering on its promise to lower food prices in the first 100 days.

He also exposes cabinet secretaries when they’re involved in corruption. For example, he exposed the NYS Scandal in the ministry of devolution, which was headed by Anne Waiguru, that cost the country billions of shillings.

Internationally, he is feared by foreign powers (America and Britain) who still want to colonize Kenya. 

He publicly champions for the full liberation of Africa by advising African leaders to unite and refuse to bow down to the demands of these world powers.

All these factors make Raila Odinga one of the most feared politicians in Kenya.

On the contrary, he is loved by the common citizen because he relentlessly and unconditionally fights for their right.

3. Kithure Kindiki

Kithure Kindiki is the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Interior and National Administration.

The Interior and National Administration is a very powerful docket because it’s involved in major undertakings, which include internal security, oversight over internal security, as well as management and oversight in the national government ministries and state departments.

In other words, Prof. Kithure Kindike gets all the briefings regarding the security of the country and briefs the president daily.

If a powerful politician is to be arrested, he gives the final authority to the police.

This makes him one of the most feared politicians in Kenya.

4. Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta

Uhuru Kenyatta is still one of the most powerful and feared politicians despite exiting the presidency a few months ago.

He was president for 10 years, so he knows all the government secrets and how the government works.

He can use that information and his networks to take down the current president and his cabinet secretaries if they try to come for him.

The president, politicians and other powerful people know that, which is why they won’t dare cross his path.

He is also a very wealthy man. According to Forbes, Uhuru Kenyatta is the fourth richest president in Africa, with a net worth of $750 million.

 This means he pretty much controls the economy of this country.

Add the fact that the people of his community (Kikuyus) have huge economic power, he could easily take down the economy of this country if provoked.

 All these factors make him one of the most feared politicians in Kenya today.

5. Rigathi Gachagua

Rigathi Gachagua is the deputy president of Kenya.

The fact that he is the second in command makes him a powerful and feared politician.

But what makes people afraid of Rigathi Gachagua is that he served as a District Officer (DO) in the Moi era, where intimidation, torture and persecution were the order of the day.

People fear that he has inherited Moi’s characteristics, and this is evident today where he speaks his mind without fear.

An example is when he criticized Nairobi governor, Johnson Sakaja, for the speedy and disruptive reforms he is bringing to the city.

His recent relentless attacks on Raila and proclaiming that he, the son of a Mau Mau fighter, is the solution to Raila’s constant attack on the government, has made people even more afraid of him.

6. Jimi Wanjigi

Jimi Wanjigi is one of the tycoons who control the country.

He is equated to the Russian Oligarchs.

He came into prominence when he joined the Raila’s campaign.

This put him in constant loggerheads with the then-president Uhuru Kenyatta.

Uhuru Kenyatta used his power, including unleashing the police, KRA and anti-graft body to bring him down in vain.

He later fell out with Raila and joined the Safina party as a presidential candidate.

Although he didn’t win, he remains one of the most influential, powerful and feared politicians in Kenya.

You may also want to check: 10 MOST INTELLIGENT POLITICIANS IN KENYA (2023)