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Jackson Mandago's Biography in Summary

Jackson Kiplagat Arap Mandago is the current Uasin Gishu senator and former first governor of Uasin Gishu. The divisive Kenyan politician was re-elected governor in 2017 on the Jubilee ticket and later elected as senator in 2022 on a UDA party

Mandago was born in the county of Uasin Gishu. He grew up and went to school in the same county. 

With his unapologetic stance and knack for making headlines, Mandago has become a compelling figure in the political landscape, leaving an indelible mark on Uasin Gishu County and beyond.

The current Uasin Gishu senator is known for his famous utterance “Usiweke siasa kwa roho, weka kwa mapafu,” where he advised Kenyans to go easy on politics and maintain consciousness even in the height of political tensions.

Age

On the 5th of May, 1974, he was born and is currently 52

Mandago Education

Mandago attended Kenyatta University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in biochemistry. He then went on to graduate from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) with a Master's degree in Procurement and Strategic Planning.

Mandago Career

Mandago worked at Teachers Service Commission (TSC) before becoming an active politician. 

He also supports the Rotary Club of Uasin Gishu and the Agriculture Society of Kenya, Eldoret Chapter. He became the first Governor of Uasin Gishu County after defeating the billionaire businessman Zedekiah Kiprop, better known as Buzeki. He was then re-elected in 2017 and is now serving his second term as governor of Uasin Gishu.

Mandago was credited with completing over 200 projects during his tenure as Governor, including bridges, ECD classrooms, water projects, improved roads, dairy projects, new hospitals, cooperative projects, markets, and county offices, among others.

Mandago began a new chapter in his political career in 2022, when he was elected to the Senate for Uasin Gishu County.

His resounding victory over former radio host Robert Kemei demonstrated his enduring popularity among the electorate.

Mandago's influence remains strong as a member of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party and a self-proclaimed defender of President William Ruto.
 

Mandago Marriage

He is married to Lucy Jerono Mandago, the first lady of Uasin Gishu in Kenya. Children have been bestowed upon the couple. However, the general public is unaware of the exact number of children Mandago fathers.

Mandago Controversy

The outspoken governor has never shied away from speaking his mind and has frequently found himself in hot water as a result of the comments he has made.

Saga of Mandago involving Finland

His most recent controversy involved a phony scholarship scandal allegedly perpetrated by the Uasin Gishu county government during his governorship.

Students and parents from Uasin Gishu paid millions to the county in order to study at various universities in Finland and Canada, according to the scandal.

However, the money, which totaled over Sh 200 million and was deposited in the county government's overseas accounts by over 300 parents, could not be traced.

Jonathan Bii, the current governor of Uasin Gishu, distanced himself from the scandal, blaming Mandago.

Mandago stated in a meeting with Uasin Gishu residents to discuss the issue that he began the Finland study program in good faith but regretted the outcome. The EACC (Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) are currently investigating the case.
 

Child Controversy

Mandago has, of course, been involved in a number of corruption cases and scandals, including the most recent Finland saga.

He was sued in 2014 by an ECDE teacher for alleged neglect of their 14-year-old child.

Caroline Jesang Maina, the aggrieved, claimed that Mandago had broken his earlier promise to provide for their child and a place for them to live.

Mandago allegedly stayed with Jesang from 1998 to 2002, giving birth to a son in 2001, according to the affidavit.

Mandago had promised to buy her a house worth Sh 9 million in the prestigious Elgon View Estate. He did not, however, keep the promise.

Brother's Death

Mandago's brother, John Kinyor, was discovered dead on May 27, 2019 in an unfinished building at Eldoret's Chepkanga market.

His body had a head injury, and police suspected foul play at first.

A review of CCTV footage revealed, however, that Kinyor had slipped from the first-floor stairs and fallen into an area where a lift was to be installed.

The police determined that his death was unintentional.

Kinyor worked for the Kenya Pipeline Company in Eldoret. At the time of his death, he was 56 years old. His wife, five children, and two siblings, including Jackson Mandago, survive him.