About Willy Mtengo
Willy Baraka Mtengo is a Kenyan politician who served as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Malindi Constituency in Kilifi County. He was elected in a by-election on March 7, 2016, running on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket, and won decisively against his closest rival, solidifying the area as a stronghold for the party. His election was marked by significant public interest and celebration among supporters, highlighting his appeal within the constituency’s political landscape.
Before entering elective politics, Mtengo had a lengthy career at the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) where he worked from 1998 until 2011, advancing through various roles from cadet trainee to Resident Representative for the Great Lakes Region. His professional background in public relations and administration was part of his appeal as a candidate, bringing experience in both management and regional engagement to his role in Parliament.
Mtengo’s political journey has also been shaped by controversy. During his initial nomination and campaign for the Malindi seat, questions were raised in the media regarding the authenticity of some academic documents he submitted during his earlier employment, although the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) cleared him to contest the election, describing the claims as unverified rumors. Throughout his term, he has been involved in advocating for infrastructure and community issues in Malindi, including voicing support for road improvements and responding to local concerns such as police conduct affecting residents.
