This archive report was first published on 11 November 2019.
On November 11, 2019, Junet Mohamed made history by becoming the first Somali man to be elected in Nyanza. Born and raised in Migori, he has a deep understanding of the local community and is fluent in the Luo language.
Junet's rise to prominence began in 2003 when he was elected as a nominated councillor in Migori. He defied the odds and became the town's mayor, earning the attention of ODM leader Raila Odinga. In 2013, he was elected as the Member of Parliament for Suna East, beating established politicians like John Pesa and Owino Likowa.
After his election, Junet was appointed as the Director of Elections in the ODM Party in 2015. He played a key role in mobilizing ODM supporters during the Kibra by-elections, demonstrating his influence in the party.
However, Junet's loyalty to Raila Odinga has also come with its challenges. In 2016, he was among those arrested by the government for hate speech and inciteful remarks. Despite this, Raila Odinga praised Junet, saying he had been 'baptized by fire' and was now ready to navigate the rough political terrain.
Today, Junet Noor Mohamed is a political behemoth and a loyal Odinga ally, known for his unwavering dedication to the party and its leader.
