From polio to parliament: The political comeback of ODM's Harold Kipchumba

Harold Kimuge Kipchumba, a native of Kipsaraman ward in Baringo County, embodies human resilience.

Recently nominated as MP to replace Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, who resigned after his 2022 appointment as Treasury Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba’s life is a testament to the power of determination in overcoming adversity.

Stricken by polio at age three, Kipchumba suffered permanent paralysis in both legs.

Born in the 1960s in rural Baringo, he missed the polio vaccines developed by Jonas Salk and Albert Sabin, which were introduced in the US in 1955 and 1961 but only reached African countries in the 1970s.

Kenya witnessed no polio cases from 1984 to 2006, but the disease’s re-emergence that year fueled Kipchumba’s lifelong activism for immunization and disability rights. His advocacy for a just and inclusive society has earned him prominence, culminating in his nomination to the National Assembly, as published in the Kenya Gazette on July 24, 2025.

This nomination marks Kipchumba’s second political milestone; he was nominated to the Senate in 2013, though the High Court nullified it due to procedural issues raised by a petitioner. He, however, served briefly in the Senate as the legal process went on.

Now using a wheelchair after fracturing his leg, Kipchumba has relied on crutches since childhood. A few years ago, he and his eldest son survived a tragic accident in Naivasha that claimed several lives and left his son with severe injuries requiring treatment, still ongoing.

Reflecting on these challenges, Kipchumba credits his faith:

“I have seen God’s hand in my life and my son’s. He spared us during that accident. I believe God has a purpose for me to impact others positively.”

Kipchumba’s rise stems from his unwavering commitment to advocating for marginalized groups, particularly persons with disabilities.

“My background as a person with a disability drove me to champion their rights,” he said. “Despite their qualifications, those with disability face discrimination and stigma. I went into politics to influence change and create a more inclusive society.”

During this interview, Kipchumba received a 20-minute congratulatory call from ODM party leader Raila Odinga, who praised his nomination. A loyal ODM member since its founding, Kipchumba expressed gratitude for the party’s trust, noting his name was selected from their 2022 election list.

“I have never joined another party, even during Kanu’s dominance as I disagreed with its policies,” he said.

Kipchumba’s accolades include the 2015 United Nations Person of the Year award that made him the first Kenyan with a disability to receive this honour. He also served as Kenya’s Immunisation Ambassador during a polio vaccination campaign supported by WHO and UNICEF.

Beyond advocacy, he has worked as an untrained teacher, accounts clerk, and mediator in the Judiciary’s Alternative Justice System, earning recognition for his diligence.

He has held leadership roles as vice-chairperson of the United Disabled Persons of Kenya, chairperson of the National Equity Consortium of Kenya, and Executive Director of Bare Care Centre in Baringo.

Kipchumba’s early life was marked by hardship.

Born into a polygamous family with 22 siblings in Kabartonjo, Baringo North, he was abandoned by his parents due to his disability. He began his education at Nile Road Special School in Nairobi’s Ofafa Jericho, later transferring to Nyabondo Home for the Crippled Children in Kisumu, where he completed primary education.

His academic excellence earned him a place at Lenana School (1980–1985), where he was the only disabled student.

He briefly attended Kenyatta College before pursuing development studies at Kimmage Development Centre in Ireland. Married to Dorothy, he is a father of three.

Joseph Atela, the Executive Director of the Consortium of Disabled Persons Organizations in Kenya, hailed Kipchumba’s nomination as timely, coinciding with efforts to implement the Persons with Disabilities Act of 2025.

As Kipchumba prepares to take his oath in the National Assembly, his journey from a polio survivor to a parliamentarian underscores his belief: Social change is accelerated through impactful leadership.

His story continues to inspire hope and action for a more equitable Kenya.