@robertomollo3
Zacchaeus Okumu Ong’ondo started helping poor families to mill at a reduced cost. This he did without knowing it would lead him to politics.
The 57-year-old could allow the less fortunate and vulnerable children to mill for free at his posho mill in Oyugis, Kasipul constituency.
Largely due to his philanthropy, he clinched the ODM ticket to contest South Kasipul MCA seat.
Okumu started focusing on selling maize and sorghum at Oyugis market.
His business thrived and he bought more posho mills, which he installed in Ringa, Rodi Kopany, Kendu Bay and Kodera.
“I was involved in free maize milling for less fortunate people to help them reduce the cost of living. I felt it was important,” he said.
Okumu grew up as an orphan after his parents died and joined a tailoring course at Oyugis town after failing to go to secondary school due to a lack of fees.
His first two posho mills were brought through savings from tailoring works. Okumu currently has about 10 posho mill machines.
He also enrolled and completed a Grade 3 certificate tailoring course at Kenya Industrial Estates.
The man extended his helping hand to the people when he started donating 90kg of sifted maize flour to bereaved families in their locality.
He is currently supporting 67 students at various secondary schools, colleges and universities.
“People who have lost their loved ones always receive 9okgs of flour to help reduce funeral expenses,” Okumu said.
This practice has earned him the nickname Mogo (meaning the flour).
Mogo has three maize stores with each carrying about 400 sacks of 90kgs.
Speaking at his Oyugis home, he said he joined politics after residents said they needed him to represent them.
When many Homa Bay politicians were struggling in their campaigns to clinch the ODM tickets, Mogo was reluctant as residents had assured him of their support.
He said most of the residents had complained of failing to receive services as they had expected.
“We still have impassable roads and bridges due to shoddy workmanship. Residents claim effective oversight role has not even done,” he said.
Okumu is competing against Richard Omondi and Thomas Otoro who are independent candidates.
Others are Geoffrey Osoo (DAP-K), Lawrence Otieno of the Green Congress Party of Kenya (GCK) and Edwin Orwa of Wiper.
Okumu is currently basing his campaign on true and transparent leadership. He is appealing to residents to support the party candidates.
He believes he will be elected as MCA due to the support he has from the people.
“My leadership will ensure we distribute bursary to poor and vulnerable children without discrimination. We must improve the living standards of our people,” he said.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
