Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen is the senator for Elgeyo Marakwet county currently serving his second term.
He was first elected in 2013 on the defunct United Republican Party (URP).
The former Senate majority leader was re-elected in 2017 on a Jubilee Party ticket but he has since shifted his allegiance to United Democratic Alliance (UDA) associated with Deputy President William Ruto.
Before his entry into politics, Murkomen was a law lecturer at Moi University, the University of Nairobi, and the Catholic University of Eastern Africa. He was also a political analyst.
Age
Murkomen was born in 1979. He is 42 years old.
His father, Johanna Kipchumba Kanda, was ordained as an African Inland Church (AIC) reverend in August 2019. Little is known about his mother.
In a Facebook post on August 19, 2019, the legislator described his father as a man of faith, hope, and immense resilience.
He recalled his parents working as casual labourers in the 1970s to make ends meet.
“In the mid-1970s, dad married mum and together left their home in Kaptogol, Embobut Ward to go and serve as casual laborers in Trans Nzoia and the upper parts of Marakwet West.
That’s when dad gained little knowledge on how to read and write. As a result of interacting with his masters and fellow laborers he also learned to speak some little Swahili,” he wrote.
Education
Murkomen studied at Chawis Primary School until 1993 when he sat for his Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE).
When he received his results, he was not satisfied and decided to repeat in 1994.
He excelled and joined St Joseph’s High School, Kitale but transferred to St Patrick’s High School, Iten.
At St Patrick’s, Murkomen who was raised by strict Christian parents took up the role of in the Christian Union (CU).
He was also a member of the school’s football team and this put him at odds with the CU team who accused him of spending too much of his time playing.
After completing his secondary education, Murkomen proceeded to UoN where he studied law.
While in the second year, he was elected chairman of Fellowship of Christian Unions’ National Students Executive Council.
He doubles up as the chairperson of the Kenya Law Students Society.
His brilliance earned him a scholarship to study a master’s in law at the University of Pretoria, South Africa.
He further studied at the American University Washington College of Law in the US.
Wife
Murkomen is married to Gladys Wanjiru Kipchumba.
In an interview with comedian Jalang’o, the vocal politician revealed he met his wife in 200 while studying at the University of Nairobi (UoN).
He disclosed he used to send him fare as they dated.
“I married my classmate at the University of Nairobi. We met in 2000 and got married about nine years later. She is my best friend. She got a proper job before me and stood with me on the financial front. She sent me fare and even bought the first car we used. I appreciate her for all the support,” he said.
On Sunday, December 12, 2021, the lovely couple celebrated their 12th marriage anniversary.
“12 years of love with my best friend Gladys Wanjiru Kipchumba!” He wrote on Instagram as he shared their gorgeous wedding photo in church.
Children
Murkomen and Gladys have been blessed with four children – three sons and a daughter.
