From Orphan to Parliament: The Inspiring Journey of Hon. Caleb Amisi
Introduction In a captivating interview on Obinna Show Live, Hon. Caleb Amisi, the Member of Parliament for Saboti, shared his remarkable journey from a challenging childhood as an orphan to becoming a prominent figure in Kenyan politics. His story is one of resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to serving his community. Hon. Caleb Amisi’s early life was marked by significant adversity. Born around 1985, he was raised by his grandmother after his father passed away and his mother abandoned him. Despite these challenges, he took on menial jobs, such as working as a herdsboy for Ksh200 per weekend, to support his family while in primary school. His academic excellence shone through when he emerged as the top student in Western Kenya in the 2000 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examinations. This achievement earned him a place at the prestigious Starehe Boys Centre in 2001, where he continued to excel. It was at Starehe that he first wore shoes, a testament to his humble beginnings. He later pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce at the University of Nairobi, working to support himself through college due to his lack of a wealthy background. His educational journey laid a strong foundation for his future endeavors. Amisi’s political journey began unexpectedly. Initially, he had no intention of entering politics, focusing instead on supporting other candidates, such as Babu Owinno. However, a pivotal moment came when he met Peter Kenneth, a fellow Starehe Boys alumnus who ran for president in 2012. Inspired by Kenneth’s ambition and proud of a fellow alumnus vying for the presidency, Amisi decided to contest the Saboti constituency seat in the same year. Fresh from university and with limited resources, he borrowed a suit for his ballot photo and managed to secure 4,000 votes, a significant achievement for a first-time candidate. He credits Peter Kenneth for introducing him to politics and inspiring him to believe in his potential. This experience taught him the importance of self-confidence, a message he now passionately shares with young people, encouraging them to trust in their abilities. Hon. Amisi is known for his bold and truthful approach to politics. He has criticized Luhya leaders for focusing on regional kingpin status rather than pursuing a national agenda, which he believes is essential for leadership at the highest level. He stood by Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya during his challenges at the International Criminal Court (ICC), emphasizing the need for unity and a broader vision. During the Obinna Show live interview, Amisi did not shy away from critiquing the current administration. He accused the president of being untruthful and unfit to lead any serious government department, drawing on the book Why Nations Fail to argue that leadership is critical to a nation’s development. He noted that Kenya was once on par with Malaysia and Singapore but has lagged due to poor leadership. Amisi’s outspoken nature has not been without controversy. In 2020, he faced an attack by youths in his constituency during a project launch, prompting him to threaten resignation if such incidents continued. More recently, in 2025, he has been at the forefront of ODM’s internal strife, warning of a potential party split if it continues to align with Ruto’s government. His public criticism of party leaders and his refusal to meet President Ruto, even during the handshake period with Uhuru Kenyatta, underscore his commitment to ideological consistency. Conclusion Hon. Caleb Amisi’s journey from an orphan to a two-term MP is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. His commitment to empowering his community, advocating for transparent governance, and pushing for a national agenda makes him a significant voice in Kenyan politics. As he continues to challenge the status quo and inspire the youth, his story serves as a beacon of hope for those facing adversity. For a deeper dive into his inspiring story, watch the full interview on YouTube titled “Orphan to Parliament – Hon. Caleb Amisi” Obinna TV Extra
