Bishop Margaret Wanjiru: 10 things you didn’t know about former Starehe MP
By Valerian Khakayi, August 14, 2026Bishop Margaret Wanjiru has been a familiar name in Kenya’s religious and political circles for decades, building a public profile that spans ministry, politics and government service.
The former Starehe MP is now in the spotlight again after announcing her resignation as chairperson of the Nairobi Rivers Commission.
Wanjiru gave a 30-day notice to Head of Public Service Felix Koskei and said she would leave office on August 31, 2026, explaining that she was ready to move on and focus on other work.
As she prepares to leave the commission, here are 10 things you may not know about the bishop.
- She is an accomplished bishop
Wanjiru is the founder and Apostolic Bishop of Jesus Is Alive Ministries (JIAM), an international Christian organisation headquartered in Nairobi with branches in Kenya and other countries.
- She became an MP in 2007
Wanjiru entered elective politics in the 2007 General Election, when she won the Starehe parliamentary seat on an ODM ticket. She served in the National Assembly until 2013.
- She served as Assistant Minister for Housing
During her time in Parliament, Wanjiru served as Assistant Minister for Housing between 2010 and 2013.
- She was born in Nairobi
Wanjiru was born in Nairobi on December 22, 1961. She grew up in a humble family and has spoken about facing poverty during her childhood.
- She did odd jobs while growing up
Before rising to prominence, Wanjiru worked various jobs to support herself and pursue her education. Her church profile says she worked as a house help, hawker, toilet cleaner, car cleaner and office cleaner.
- She survived a parliamentary election challenge
Her Starehe victory was later challenged after a recount indicated that her opponent, Maina Kamanda, had won. A by-election was held in September 2010, but Wanjiru retained the seat.
- She is also known as ‘Mama Na Kazi’
Wanjiru has been popularly associated with the nickname “Mama Na Kazi”, reflecting the public image she built during her political career.
- She has three children
Wanjiru is a mother of three children, including former Mathare MP Stephen Kariuki.
- She was appointed to lead the Nairobi Rivers Commission
President William Ruto appointed Wanjiru chairperson of the Nairobi Rivers Commission in October 2024. The commission works on restoring Nairobi’s rivers, including riverbank rehabilitation, pollution control, sewer infrastructure and protection of riparian areas.
- She is now leaving the commission
After about 20 months at the commission, Wanjiru has tendered her resignation. She thanked the government for the opportunity to serve and requested that her successor be appointed in good time to allow for a smooth handover.
Her latest move marks another chapter in the career of a woman who has combined Christian ministry, politics and public service over several decades.