Wamatangi: Ex-car dealer now Senate Majority Whip

As a car dealer, he operated an international car import and export company based at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (now Kenyatta International Convention Centre) until 2003.

This former car dealer was appointed the Senate Majority Chief Whip on Tuesday, following the ejection of Murang’a Senator Irungu Kang’ata.

Wamatangi happens to the President’s senator, and was certainly rewarded for his loyalty and defence of Uhuru Kenyatta against Deputy President William Ruto allies in his various platforms.

According to Standing Order No 2 , Wamatangi is expected to ensure Jubilee senators attend to House business, particularly when there is contentious business to be transacted, with a view to ensuring that each party’s policy stance/agenda is passed; select senators from their respective parties to serve in various committees and enforce party discipline among senators as well as disciplining errant members.

The third role will prove difficult, considering the competing interests and infighting in the Jubilee Party.

He admitted the same in his acceptance speech on Wednesday saying, “I want to confirm to members of this House that I am under no illusion that the job I have been asked to do for the Senate is an easy one”.

Wamatangi, however, said he will use the experience he has gained since he was first elected to the Senate in 2013. The senator said he will work by building consensus, consult, finding agreement all the time and ensuring that “we walk the journey together” to prosecute business in the House.