GITONGA MUKUNJI
| AGE | 37 years |
| GENDER | Male |
| OCCUPATION | Politician |
Gitonga Mukunji is a Kenyan politician and the current Member of Parliament for Manyatta Constituency in Embu County.
He is eyeing the Embu gubernatorial seat in the 2027 general elections, seeking to unseat the incumbent, Cecily Mbarire.
Mukunji made his first attempt at elective politics during the 2017 general elections, contesting the Manyatta parliamentary seat as an independent candidate losing to John Muchiri Nyaga of the Jubilee Party.
Gitonga Mukunji Career
In the 2022 general elections, Mukunji successfully clinched the Manyatta parliamentary seat under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket.
He garnered 62,374 votes, defeating the incumbent, John Muchiri Nyaga, who ran as an independent after losing the Jubilee Party nomination. Nyaga received 29,398 votes.
Mukunji, a close ally of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, is widely recognized for his outspoken nature. He has since become a vocal critic of President William Ruto’s administration, accusing the President of betraying Gachagua, whom he credits with helping Ruto ascend to power.
On July 7, 2025, Mukunji was arrested in connection with the Saba Saba protests. The National Police Service (NPS) confirmed his arrest, stating that he was among 567 individuals detained for alleged involvement in acts of lawlessness.
His political journey began at the University of Nairobi, where he was actively involved in student leadership as part of the Students’ Organization of Nairobi University (SONU).
Before joining politics, Mukunji was a serial entrepreneur and renewable energy innovator.
While pursuing his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Chemistry at the University of Nairobi, he launched Environmental Recycling Services (ERS) during his fourth year. He started the company with KSh 25,000 from a HELB loan, capitalizing on his knowledge of renewable energy.
ERS focused on recycling used batteries and offering backup power solutions. Mukunji pitched the idea to organizations such as National Bank, offering to collect and repurpose their dead batteries.
By 2021, ERS reportedly employed over 60 people, establishing itself as a key player in Kenya’s renewable energy and waste management sector.
Education Background
Mukunji holds a master’s degree in environmental policy from the University of Nairobi, where he also earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Chemistry.
He sat his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) at Nguviu Boys High School.
Family
Mukunji is married and is the father of two children.
Net Worth
Although Gitonga Mukunji has never publicly declared his net worth, his income as a Member of Parliament, estimated at approximately Ksh 1 million per month, including allowances, is substantial.
However, his financial success largely stems from entrepreneurship, particularly in renewable energy and battery recycling, ventures he established well before his entry into politics.
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