Every time he is on the podium; Moses Kipchumba Kebenei always refers to himself as the tallest MCA in Kenya and East Africa.
Kebenei is the Simat/Kapseret Member of the County Assembly (MCA) in Uasin Gishu.
He is indeed towering. Uasin Gishu News recently had a chat with him on a range of issues and one of the things we wanted to find out was how tall he is.
Why do you always refer to yourself as the tallest MCA? Is it a fact or just a name?
It is a fact that I am the tallest MCA in Kenya and East Africa. I am 6 ft 5 in. The closest MCA to me in tallness I think is my colleague from Kapchai Ward in Kericho County who is 6 ft 3 in.
Of all the MCAs we’ve interacted with, nobody has been taller than me.
Here at the Uasin Gishu County Assembly, the closest to me is the majority leader Julius Sang who is around 6 ft 1 and then the rest follow.
What inspired you to join politics?
I grew up in a political family. My father was a councillor in Langas and when he used to move around, I was about 8 or 10 years and I would join him; not to campaign for him – but to see what was happening.
One funny thing about me is that I started reading, not through story books but through newspaper headlines.
In class 5 or 6, I developed an interest in current affairs – people like Nelson Mandela, the Rwanda genocide, Namibia pace keeping and the Kosovo issue.
When I joined high school is when I involved myself more in current affairs – I used to be in the opposition in debates. I was very vocal from day one and I became a prefect until I left school.
At university, I was involved in university politics.
When did you make up your mind to vie for the Simat/Kapseret MCA seat?
In 2002, that is when I started getting into politics campaigning for people. Like in 2017, I really campaigned for Governor Jackson Mandago.
Then come 2022, I was not into politics but there were things that were not moving right and I said for me to be in a position to correct those things I must be in political circles.
I was asking people around and most of them said going for the Kapseret MP seat might not be easy but the easiest you could get is to start by MCA.
Tell us about your educational background
I schooled at St Joseph’s Primary in Kapseret, Paul Boit Boys, Kapkong then Kenya Methodist University in Meru where I did Bachelor in Business Administration and Masters in Strategic Management; and later went outside the country.
I have worked with several companies in this country.
Moses Kebenei’s family
I grew up in Langas where I was born in 1983, in a family of three boys and one girl. My father is Albert Kebenei a former Langas councillor.
I have a wife whom we have been blessed with one girl – the firstborn and two boys – all of them are staying at Kapseret.
What have been your achievements so far as the Simat/Kapseret MCA?
When I came into the office I said all the ongoing projects will be completed. I have ensured all the planned projects continue.
I have also lobbied for the construction of Simat market which is coming up and Kapseret centre road improvements which are on course. The market is almost 70% complete while Kapseret Centre roads improvement is at 95%.
There are many roads that we have opened up in the ward – the link roads and most areas are now opened up.
I have really tried my level best but the most important thing is the unity in Simat/Kapseret. The ward is made up of two locations and in the past locals thought when an MCA comes from the other location, one side would benefit more.
Politically, where do you see yourself in 10 years?
At the moment I’m taking a step at a time; let me work for the people and I’m sure the future is bright.
Whatever seat my people will want me to go for – I’ll go for it but based on my own assessment and decision.
But for now, I’m focusing on serving the people of Simat/Kapseret and working with all elected leaders in the Sub County and County for a better community.”
