Voice of Taita Taveta Exclusive: “I Want to Be the People’s Watchman” – A Candid Conversation with Hon. Peter Shambi Chakwanye

There are politicians who are born into privilege, and there are those whose lives are shaped by struggle. Sitting across from Hon. Peter Shambi, popularly known as Chakwanye, over a cup of tea during a relaxed afternoon conversation, one quickly realizes that his story belongs firmly in the second category.

Currently serving as the Deputy Minority Leader in the Taita Taveta County Assembly, Hon. Shambi has officially thrown his hat into the ring for the Taita Taveta Senate seat. Confident, reflective and deeply rooted in the history of the county, he speaks with the conviction of a man who believes his moment has arrived.

But away from politics, who exactly is Peter Shambi?

“I am a human rights defender with a special interest in gender issues, governance, land and land-based resources,” he says. “I am passionate about community sensitization and human rights education. I am also a farmer and an entrepreneur with interests in real estate, transport and tourism.”

Yet the journey to where he is today was anything but easy.

From Poverty to Purpose

Born in Kariobangi Village in Mwatate Ward, Peter Shambi grew up in a humble family of peasant farmers. Life was difficult and resources were scarce.

“There were many days when we went without food,” he recalls. “At times we were forced to boil acacia bark in water and drink it like black tea.”

Despite the hardships, his childhood was filled with creativity and determination. He fondly remembers collecting empty Blue Band tins and mobilizing his friends to build toy cars.

“I even had a small workshop in our compound,” he laughs. “We would manufacture toys and then organize races to see whose car was strongest and most stable.”

School holidays were rarely a time for rest. By 5 a.m., he and his siblings would already be heading to work on their father’s four farms. Afterward, they often did casual labor on neighboring farms to raise school fees and money for clothes.

Looking back, he credits his parents for instilling values that continue to guide him today.

“The fear of God, the value of education, hard work, honesty, kindness, boldness and courage.”

Those values, he says, have also shaped his approach to fatherhood.

“Being a father has taught me to be present, to think on the go and provide solutions to challenges. It has taught me to make decisions and stand by them.”

His children, he says, know him as a God-fearing man who is bold, dependable, stern when necessary but friendly, and someone who keeps his word.

When asked about his greatest strength, his answer comes quickly.

“Courage.”

His greatest weakness?

“I am allergic to mediocrity.”

A Political Dream Born at Fourteen

Long before he entered public office, Shambi had already made up his mind.

“At 14 years old, I decided that one day I would become a politician.”

The dream was shaped by influential figures he encountered growing up, particularly the late Mwachanje Kilelu, whom he describes as both a mentor and an elder brother.

Through Kilelu, he learned about the struggle for multiparty democracy and listened to stories about national figures such as James Orengo, the late Kijana Wamalwa, Paul Muite, Mwai Kibaki and Raila Odinga during the fight against the Moi regime.

He was also inspired by Mwai Kibaki’s leadership during his years in the Democratic Party.

Those early lessons left a lasting impression.

Why He Chose Leadership

Having spent much of his life in Taita Taveta, Shambi says he has experienced both poverty and prosperity. Those experiences, he believes, gave him a unique understanding of how governance affects ordinary citizens.

“I know what lack feels like and I know what abundance feels like. I have seen how bad governance affects the daily lives of our people.”

That understanding eventually convinced him to offer himself for leadership.

Lessons from Defeat

Shambi is no stranger to political setbacks.

He contested for Mwatate Ward in 2007 and later vied for MCA in 2013 but lost.

Rather than discouraging him, the defeats taught him valuable lessons.

“Money is an important factor in politics. Betrayal can come from people close to you. The final moments of a campaign are critical. And always trust your instincts.”

Some critics argue that moving from MCA contests to a Senate bid is too ambitious. Shambi disagrees.

He points to examples such as Abraham Lincoln, who lost multiple elections before becoming President of the United States, and local leaders like Abdi Chome, Senator Jones Mwaruma and Woman Representative Lydia Haika.

“I am not moving too fast,” he says. “I am simply offering myself for leadership and trusting the people of Taita Taveta to choose the best candidate.”

He believes the political environment has changed significantly.

“We are entering a new era. Citizens are more informed than ever before. Social media has changed politics. I have also grown intellectually, emotionally, spiritually and economically. My network is stronger than it was before.”

The MCA Record

As a nominated MCA, Shambi is quick to clarify that nominated members do not control development budgets.

“Our roles are representation, legislation and oversight.”

Even so, he points to a substantial record in the County Assembly and says impact is not always measured by the size of a budget one controls but by the issues one champions and the solutions one pursues.

One of the initiatives he speaks about with particular passion is the operationalization of the Oncology Centre at Moi County Referral Hospital. While the infrastructure is already in place, he says the facility still lacks key requirements necessary to begin offering services, including furniture, an autonomous laboratory and chemotherapy equipment.

According to Shambi, the centre has the potential to significantly improve the lives of more than 600 cancer patients already diagnosed within the county, many of whom currently travel to Mombasa or Nairobi to access chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment.

“Many families are spending money they do not have seeking treatment outside the county,” he says. “Some patients eventually give up because the burden becomes too heavy. We cannot continue losing lives when we have an opportunity to bring these services closer to our people.”

He says he successfully lobbied for the allocation of KSh 12 million in the proposed 2026/27 county budget to support the operationalization of the facility, a move he believes will be a major milestone in improving cancer care within Taita Taveta.

Beyond healthcare, he highlights his sponsorship of the Taita Taveta County Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Local Content Bill. The proposed legislation seeks to create a framework through which investors operating in the county can contribute directly to local development projects while ensuring local businesses benefit from investment opportunities.

According to him, the bill is intended to strengthen community participation in economic growth and create greater opportunities for local enterprises to thrive.

Among the motions he sponsored or supported are initiatives on procurement reforms, naming streets within Voi Municipality, cancer prevention measures, disposal of obsolete county equipment, slaughterhouse supervision and the documentation of temporary plots across the county.

He has also raised numerous statements and questions on matters including county housing, water projects, implementation of county policies, cooperatives, revenue collection, county investments, remuneration of municipal boards, livestock extension officers, county budget forums and unregistered community land.

The experience, he says, exposed him to several challenges faced by nominated MCAs.

“Many citizens believe all leaders are allocated money to distribute. Others expect nominated MCAs to implement projects directly. There is still a need for civic education.”

That experience, he says, taught him that county leadership remains a work in progress and that civic education must become a central pillar of governance.

Why Senate?

Shambi traces his Senate ambition back to his involvement in the push for Kenya’s Constitution and the birth of devolution.

“I want to be the people’s watchman. I want to raise the alarm whenever county resources are in danger.”

He says he also wants to return Taita Taveta to national prominence.

“For a long time, this county produced leaders whose voices were heard nationally. We need to reclaim that position.”

Asked why voters should choose him over other candidates, he does not hide his confidence.

“I bring energy, courage, experience and a proven track record. I am vocal but solution-oriented. I am fearless yet fair.”

Academically, he holds a Certificate in Human Rights Education from John Abbott College in Montreal, Canada, a Degree in Development Studies from Mount Kenya University, and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Administration.

He believes effective leadership requires continuous learning and a deep understanding of governance systems and public policy.

Understanding the Senate

Shambi demonstrates a detailed understanding of the Senate’s constitutional mandate.

He emphasizes that the Senate exists to represent counties, protect devolution, allocate revenue, oversee county expenditure and participate in major constitutional processes, including impeachment proceedings involving top state officials.

His approach, if elected, would revolve around what he repeatedly calls “people-centered leadership.”

He envisions structured civic education programs, regular public participation forums and six-month development plans agreed upon directly with citizens.

“My role will not be to do what I think is right. It will be to do what we have agreed upon together.”

His Three Priorities

If elected Senator, Shambi identifies three key priorities:

• Resolving boundary disputes involving Mtito Andei, Mackinnon Road and Kajiado.

• Pursuing changes in the management of Tsavo to increase local benefits.

• Pushing for reforms in water resource management, including greater local control of water originating from Mzima Springs.

According to him, these reforms would significantly boost county revenue and unlock development opportunities.

Fighting Corruption

On accountability, Shambi believes the Senate has played an important role through its oversight committees, though he acknowledges recent controversies have damaged public confidence.

If county funds are misused, he says he would pursue a three-pronged approach:

• Inform the public.

• Engage institutions such as the DCI and EACC.

• Hold the County Assembly accountable for failures in oversight.

Would he question leaders from his own political party?

“Definitely. Every leader has an independent mandate and must be held individually accountable.”

His Vision for Taita Taveta

Asked where he wants the county to be in ten years, his answer is straightforward.

“I want every resident’s right to food, education, health and water to be fully realized.”

Of all sectors, he believes health requires the most urgent intervention.

“The health sector is currently on its knees.”

To tackle youth unemployment, he argues that increasing county revenue, attracting investors and lobbying for donor-funded projects will create opportunities for young people.

He also wants greater unity among county leaders.

“We need leaders to sit together, agree on priorities and jointly lobby national ministries and development partners.”

He proposes regular leadership roundtables bringing together elected leaders, county institutions and stakeholders to pursue a common development agenda for the county.

Has Taita Taveta Been Left Behind?

Shambi believes the county has suffered both from low population numbers and an unfavorable revenue allocation formula.

With a relatively small population compared to larger counties, he argues that Taita Taveta often receives less national attention and fewer development resources.

“Successive governments have systematically neglected this county.”

He believes stronger advocacy at the national level will be necessary if the county is to secure a fair share of resources and development opportunities.

Party Politics and Ideology

Unlike many politicians who view party affiliation as a mere vehicle to power, Shambi insists ideology still matters.

He says his political beliefs align with the principles of social justice, good governance, accountability and diplomacy, values that informed his decision to associate with the Wiper movement.

“Political parties should stand for something. Leaders should be guided by ideology and not personal convenience.”

While acknowledging every citizen’s constitutional right to join or leave a political party, he believes leaders should remain guided by principles rather than short-term political calculations.

The Meaning Behind ‘Chakwanye’

Many residents know him better by his nickname than his official name.

“Chakwanye” comes from a traditional Taita saying comparing the inseparable relationship between a snail and its shell.

For him, the name carries a deeper message.

“It reminds us that we must work together if we are to achieve more.”

That philosophy, he says, perfectly reflects his leadership style.

Leadership, Integrity and Faith

Integrity, according to Shambi, means maintaining the highest moral standards and doing the right thing even when nobody is watching.

If he fails to deliver on campaign promises, he says he would return to the people, explain what happened and establish new timelines.

Throughout the conversation, his Christian faith emerges repeatedly.

What keeps him awake at night are not political calculations, but the struggles of ordinary people:

Students unable to continue their education due to lack of school fees.

Families going hungry.

Patients unable to access treatment because they cannot afford healthcare.

Young people turning to drugs after losing hope of finding employment.

“My greatest fear in politics,” he admits, “is losing my life while fighting for the rights of my people.”

Yet his hope remains unwavering.

“I want a future where our God-given resources benefit the entire community and not just a few individuals.”

A Message to the Youth

As the interview draws to a close, Shambi turns his attention to the youth.

He urges them not to surrender to despair, citing Isaiah 41:10 as a reminder that God strengthens those who persevere through adversity.

“We have many opportunities. We must keep pushing, no matter how difficult the situation becomes.”

For voters who have lost faith in leaders, he points to the promise of restoration found in Joel 2:25–27.

He believes Taita Taveta can regain its lost glory.

“I believe better days are ahead for our county if we remain united and committed to the common good.”

Why Trust Peter Shambi?

Before leaving, we ask him one final question.

Why should the people of Taita Taveta trust Peter Shambi?

He pauses briefly.

“Because of my track record. I have handled every responsibility entrusted to me with integrity. I have attended every sitting, carried out my duties passionately and served with all my heart. I believe I am ready to represent this great county in the Senate.”

Whether voters ultimately agree remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Peter Shambi Chakwanye is entering the race determined to make his case directly to the people.

And if his confidence is any indication, he believes the best chapter of his political journey is yet to be written. 

As Chávez once said, “Once you educate the people, you cannot make them unlearn.” We have seen the future, and the future is ours. They think we don’t see. But we are faceless, and yet, we see.

Gods of Taita Taveta, let’s make it in our own image. Next Saturday, stay tuned for our next episode. We are now on Facebook @Alve Mwaregha.

For any queries or information, reach out to us at Voice of Taita Taveta @doctalve or email doctalve@gmail.com.

— Voice of Taita Taveta