This archive report was first published on 25 September 2019.
David Ole Sankok, a Nominated Member of Parliament from the Jubilee Party, has spoken out about the challenges of being a politician in Kenya.
According to Sankok, the fastest way to become poor in Kenya is to become a Member of Parliament or Member of County Assembly.
He made this statement in a telephone interview on Wednesday, citing his own experience since being nominated into the National Assembly in 2017.
As the Chairman of the National Council of People with Disabilities, Sankok has been at the forefront of enacting laws to support people with disabilities in Kenya.
However, he has regretted his decision to join politics, vowing not to contest or accept any nominations in future elections.
He explained that being an MP has taken a toll on him financially, and that he is now preparing to hang his boots from the political arena.
Sankok is eyeing a role as a special advisor for persons with disabilities at the United Nations, where he believes he can contribute more to the cause.
He lamented the nature of politics in Kenya, arguing that MPs rely on their salaries to meet their basic needs, and that the electorate often demand handouts and perks.
Published on September 25, 2019.
