Boost for Baringo as Kipchumba gets ODM nomination
By Wycliffe Kipsang, July 31, 2025Baringo County has received a big boost in terms of representation at the National Assembly with the nomination of Harold Kimuge Kipchumba by Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), bringing to nine the number of MPs from the county in the august House.
Kipchumba was nominated by the Orange Party to replace John Mbadi, who resigned from the National Assembly in 2024 after President William Ruto appointed him Treasury, Finance and Economic Planning Cabinet Secretary.
Apart from Kipchumba, other MPs currently representing Baringo County in the National Assembly include: Joshua Kandie (Baringo Central), Joseph Makilap (Baringo North), Charles Kamuren (Baringo South), Reuben Kiborek (Mogotio), William Kamket (Tiaty), Musa Sirma (Eldama-Ravine), Florence Jematiah (Woman Representative) and Jackson Kosgey (Nominated).
Baringo County residents were yesterday full of praise for Kipchumba for being in the forefront in fighting against injustices in society.
“He should go and lobby to stop discrimination on Inua Jamii towards PWDS and stop the government from considering the current policy of using the most severe disability only,” said John Bunyatta, a resident.
Nicholas Koros, another resident, said: “He deserves!. A good leader who does not discriminate against anyone. His impact will be felt. Congratulations Sir”
People Living with Disabilities (PWDS) from the county also added their voice, thanking ODM for nominating one of their own to champion for their interests in the assembly.
Disability rights
In a statement, the Association of Persons with Disabilities in Baringo County lauded Kipchumba’s long-standing commitment to disability rights.
“The nomination of Kipchumba to the National Assembly is long overdue. We hope he will continue with the zeal and fashion to fight for the welfare of the downtrodden in the society,” the group led by Paul Keitany said in a statement, even as they criticised initial attempts to challenge his nomination.
Kipchumba was sworn in as the nominated MP for ODM on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, and was handed the instruments of service before Speaker Moses Wetang’ula in a brief ceremony in the House.
Kipchumba has pledged to use his position to lobby for the National Assembly to set up a policy for the Social Protection Programme for people with disabilities.
He said that he will also push for the Persons with Disabilities Act to be done to its completion.
The Lenana School Alumni said that they will also compel all employers to ensure that their buildings are accessible and friendly accessible to disabled persons.
Kipchumba, who was affected by Polio at the age of three, promised to put the government on its toes to ensure that the spirit of devolution adhered to the latter.
“County governments should prioritise disabled mainstreaming in their day-to-day affairs. The spirit of devolution will only be realised if the county governments become inclusive in appointing Executive Committee Members. At least a disabled person should be represented in such committees,” said Kipchumba.
Kipchumba will represent Persons with Disabilities under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party. His nomination has officially been published in the Kenya Gazette.
He replaces Mbadi, whose name has been officially deleted from the IEBC’s First Schedule of Nominated Members of the National Assembly.
Kipchumba, who hails from Saimo/Kipsaramam Ward in Baringo North, is known for his active advocacy on disability rights and is a long-serving ambassador for the Polio Vaccine.
His nomination marks a significant milestone for the region and the broader community of persons living with disabilities in Kenya. The nomination became effective as per the gazette notice issued on July 24, 2025.