NAIROBI, Kenya — Junet Mohamed is one of Kenya’s most high‑profile politicians, serving as Member of Parliament for Suna East Constituency and the National Assembly Minority Leader, a role that places him at the forefront of parliamentary opposition politics.
Born on 25 October 1977 in Mandera County, Junet grew up as the second of nine siblings before his family relocated to Migori County, where his father pursued business.
The move exposed him to diverse cultural and political environments that would shape his future.
Education and Early Life
Junet began his formal education at Mandera D.E.B. Primary School and later attended Lenana School in Nairobi for his secondary studies.
He went on to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Nairobi and holds a Diploma in Business Management from the Woodvale Institute.
Rise in Politics
His political career began in 2005, when he was nominated as a councillor and later served as Mayor of the Migori County Council, marking his first formal entry into public service.
In March 2013, Junet was elected on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket as MP for Suna East, becoming the first Kenyan Somali to win a parliamentary seat in the predominantly Luo‑dominated Nyanza region.
He has since been re‑elected in 2017 and 2022, serving three consecutive terms representing his constituents.
Throughout his tenure in Parliament, Junet has served on multiple key committees, including the House Business Committee, Justice and Legal Affairs Committee, and the Public Debt and Privatization Committee.
He has been recognized for his active participation in legislative debates and oversight functions.
Leadership in the National Assembly
In September 2022, Junet Mohamed was nominated by ODM as the Minority Leader in the National Assembly, a post that positions him as the official leader of the opposition bloc in the lower house of Parliament.
As Minority Leader, he has been central to parliamentary strategy and opposition coordination, especially amid shifting party alliances and contentious legislative agendas.
He has led opposition MPs in parliamentary debates and, at times, walkouts over rulings he and his allies considered unconstitutional.
Political Influence and National Role
Junet is viewed as a strategic political operator within ODM and the broader Azimio la Umoja coalition.
His elevation to Minority Leader was endorsed by party leadership, including ODM’s Central Management Committee chaired by Raila Odinga.
His leadership has occasionally stirred controversy, particularly regarding the balance of power in Parliament, with some asserting his role as majority or minority leader depending on legal interpretations of majority status.
Public Profile and Stance
Known for his outspoken style, Junet has weighed in on national issues, including party unity and internal discipline.
In late 2025, he publicly stated that ODM would address internal dissent and insisted on respect for party leadership structures.
Personal Life
Junet Mohamed is married to Faiza Jama, who has actively supported his political campaigns, often drawing public attention for her engagement with constituents.
