Murang’a Senator Irungu Kang’ata came into the limelight in 2012. He was the attorney of Rebecca Kerubo, a guard who had alleged to have been assaulted by former Deputy Chief Justice Dr. Nancy Baraza.
Following an inquiry, the Deputy Chief Justice resigned nine months after the accusations.
The Senate Majority Whip presents himself as a modest politician. He is described as among the “poorest” lawmakers.
He has often claimed to be living a simple life, having amassed his wealth while working as a lawyer.
He also has a history of winning every election he has ever participated in. He first vied for the Central Ward in Kiharu Constituency 2002 and emerged victorious. And in 2007, he won constituency seat and consequently emerged victor in the 2013 senatorial position.
Murang’a Senator is a law graduate from the University of Nairobi and a principal in the firm Irungu Kangata & Co. Advocates.
He is a PhD (Law) researcher at the University of Nairobi and teaches law at Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Nairobi.
Born in 1980 in Murang’a, the Senator attended Murang’a Township Primary School (now Vidhu Ramji Primary School) between 1986 and 1993.
He was admitted to Thika High School in 1994. He then joined the University of Nairobi for a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1997.
In 1999, he was elected Vice-Chair of Kenya Law Student Society and later in the same year, elected the Vice-Chairman of Student Organisation of Nairobi University.
He was suspended in 2000 for two years (but which term turned indefinite after he sued the university) for leading a strike.
He rejoined campus in 2003 after the new NARC regime granted amnesty to former suspended students and graduated in 2005.
Kang’ata has not shied away from controversy in his stint in politics. In February 2016, he hit the news when he called for the overhaul of the Judiciary following claims of bribery and incompetence among judges and magistrates.
In August 2016, he filed a petition in the National Assembly accusing Kenya Revenue Authority enforcement officers of corruption.
He has also bagged prestigious awards due to his exemplary performances both in Parliament and outside.
