Former Tongaren MP Eseli Simiyu signals comeback after 2022 defeat
By Mabonga Makhanu, February 15, 2026Former Tongaren Member of Parliament and Democratic Action Party–Kenya (DAP-K) Secretary General Eseli Simiyu has hinted at a political comeback following his 2022 defeat.
In a statement shared on his social media accounts on Saturday, February 14, 2025, the former outspoken legislator thanked Tongaren constituents, assuring them that he will be back to serve them.
He further stated that Tongaren residents are “thirsty and waiting” for his leadership, adding that many have expressed how much they miss his stewardship.
According to him, this overwhelming support is what will inform his decision to stage a comeback.
“I appreciated the people of Tongaren for always believing in me and giving me a chance to be their leader for 15 years. I noted their thirst towards my leadership, and truly they miss me and as a faithful servant, I promised to be back and serve them,” Eseli stated
Eseli lost the Tongaren parliamentary seat to Ford Kenya’s current Secretary General, John Chikati, after a hotly contested election. He had previously served three terms as a Member of Parliament.
He was first elected in 2007 after defeating former minister Mukhisa Kituyi in the general election, at a time when Tongaren Constituency had just been carved out of Kimilili Constituency.
Eseli also previously served as Secretary General of Ford Kenya before he, former Kanduyi MP Wafula Wamunyinyi, and former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati attempted an internal takeover of the party from party leader Moses Wetang’ula. The move, however, failed.
Eseli-Wetang’ula fallout
Following the fallout, the trio exited Ford Kenya and joined the Democratic Action Party – Kenya (DAP-K). In the 2022 General Election, all three lost their respective seats. After the now-National Assembly speaker established a spirited campaign against the 3 politicians, where he succeeded in edging them out
Since his defeat, Eseli has maintained a relatively low political profile, mostly appearing at DAP-K meetings. However, he has recently intensified his grassroots engagements, vowing to reclaim the Tongaren seat from Chikati.
Tongaren MP race
The Tongaren parliamentary race is already shaping up to be competitive, with three candidates reportedly eyeing the seat, including Kaimosi University Vice Chancellor Professor Jack Nandi.
Eseli in the past has stated that after defending the Tongaren seat in 2027, in 2032, he will switch camps to the senate position or the gubernatorial post.