Johnson Sakaja, the 32-year-old chairman of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s political party, The National Alliance (TNA), has achieved significant political success at a relatively young age. His life experiences and background provide insight into his leadership abilities and political career.
Sakaja recalls his father noting his innate leadership qualities from a tender age. He says, "I remember my dad expressing disappointment in me when I did what boys my age at the time did – frequently going wayward – as opposed to using a cane. He always told me that I would be a great man, and used to call me Sir Johnson PM (prime minister). I too knew I would be a leader, but I did not know how or when."
Early Life and Education ¶
Sakaja was born and raised in Ngara, Nairobi. He describes himself as a "mama’s boy" since he has two elder sisters and was the only boy. His family experienced financial struggles after his father lost his job at Firestone East Africa, and his mother passed away when he was nine years old.
Despite these challenges, Sakaja attended Aga Khan Nursery and Primary, where he was a head boy, and later Lenana School, where he became the prefects’ coordinator and was the law society vice chair. He excelled academically, setting a record for straight A’s in Physics and English that still stands at the national school.
Career and Politics ¶
Sakaja landed his first job at 19 at PricewaterhouseCoopers, earning Sh15,000 per month. However, he lost the job a year later and worked at a cyber café with his aunt to make ends meet. During this time, he began producing music and designing cards. He eventually enrolled at the University of Nairobi to pursue Actuarial Science after failing to raise fees to join Harvard University in the US.
Sakaja became involved in politics while in campus, starting as a student leader and later becoming chairman of Students Organisation of Nairobi University (SONU). He worked as a driver for the then director of the ‘Vijana na Kibaki’ campaign and later became the director’s personal assistant, rising through the ranks.
Personal Life ¶
Sakaja married his wife Beatrice in October 2011, whom he met in high school through his eldest sister. He credits his wife as his rock and best friend, saying, "She’s my best friend and is supportive. In fact, when I met her, she told me that I would become president one day. She has been my rock all through."
The couple has two sons, and Sakaja prioritizes spending time with them. He also values his relationship with President Uhuru Kenyatta, whom he considers a mentor and friend.
The recovered account cited reporting by Mediamax,Nation.
