Anthony (also seen spelled Antoney) Kibagendi is a Kenyan politician, entrepreneur and former youth affairs official who rose from modest beginnings into national politics.
Known for his grassroots energy and youth-focused work, Kibagendi represents the Kitutu Chache South constituency in Kisii County.
His life story — from selling sweets as a child to serving in the National Assembly — is a classic example of a grassroots political rise in modern Kenya.
Early Life and Education
Anthony Kibagendi was born in the early 1980s (multiple profiles cite July 4, 1982 as his birthdate). He grew up in Kisii County and attended local primary and secondary schools before proceeding to Maseno University, where he completed his undergraduate studies. During his time at Maseno University he became active in student leadership and youth movements — a foundation that would shape his later political career.
Early Hustle: Entrepreneurship and Work Experience
Kibagendi’s early life is often described as entrepreneurial. Accounts of his upbringing recount a young Anthony selling sweets, clothes and phone accessories while at school — experiences that taught him commerce, resilience and connection to ordinary citizens. He briefly worked at Barclays Bank as a clerk before committing full-time to business and public service. He later founded security firms which expanded his profile as both a businessman and local employer.
Political Rise and Youth Advocacy
Kibagendi’s entry into formal politics was preceded by active youth organization work. He served as Secretary General of Maseno University Students Association and later founded the political platform VIPA, aimed at mobilizing young people into political participation. He was also involved with FORA, a lobby group aligned with national political movements, which raised his profile in national campaigns. These roles positioned him as a credible youth leader and political organizer.
Government Service: Office of the Deputy President
After standing for parliament in 2017 (an unsuccessful bid that nonetheless raised his national profile), Kibagendi was appointed Secretary of Youth Affairs in the Office of the Deputy President. The appointment provided him with a national platform to shape youth policy and to build networks across government and political circles — experience that helped in his later electoral success.
Election to Parliament
In August 2022, Anthony Kibagendi ran on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket and was elected Member of the National Assembly for Kitutu Chache South. He won the seat with 14,478 votes in a competitive race, replacing a long-serving incumbent. As an MP, he has been active in constituency work and national debates, focusing on youth empowerment, local development and health and education issues for his constituents.
Legislative Work & Parliamentary Profile
Kibagendi’s parliamentary profile shows his interests lie in youth matters, education and health. While some directories show no committee appointments early in his term, more recent records and news coverage confirm his active presence in debates and committee sessions. He has become a vocal MP on issues of social services and community welfare.
Achievements and Community Projects
As MP, Kibagendi has been credited with distributing bursaries, supporting local infrastructure projects and engaging in youth mentorship programs. His background as an entrepreneur informed his approach to local economic empowerment, with programs aimed at supporting youth enterprises and small-scale businesses in Kisii. Local reportage and constituency notices document bursary distributions and community engagement activities in his tenure.
Controversies and Public Scrutiny
Like most public figures, Kibagendi has faced scrutiny. In national news cycles, he has been part of heated parliamentary exchanges — most recently in 2025 during a high-profile clash with a cabinet secretary at a health committee session where allegations and accusations were exchanged publicly. These events underline the combative nature of contemporary Kenyan politics and the intense scrutiny MPs face. Kibagendi has denied ownership claims related to hospitals that were part of the dispute, and the matter drew national attention.
Personal Life
Public profiles and media pieces indicate Kibagendi is active on social media, using platforms like X and Instagram to communicate with constituents and the wider public. He is described by colleagues as a family man though specific private family details are kept relatively private in public records. His background emphasizes community ties and youth mentorship.
Net Worth and Business Interests
Estimates of Kibagendi’s net worth vary by source and are not always publicly verified. His entrepreneurial ventures include security companies and other local business interests, which reportedly employ dozens of staff. As with many politicians, business holdings and declared assets are subject to national transparency and disclosure rules.
Why Anthony Kibagendi Matters
Kibagendi’s trajectory — student leader, small-business entrepreneur, youth affairs official and finally MP — makes him a case study of youth mobility in Kenyan politics. He is part of a new generation of leaders who combine grassroots organizing with national government experience, and his work illustrates how youth orientation can shape political platforms and constituency priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Anthony Kibagendi?
Anthony (Antoney) Kibagendi is a Kenyan politician and entrepreneur, elected MP for Kitutu Chache South in August 2022.
What is his educational background?
He attended Maseno University and completed a bachelor’s degree; he was also active in student leadership while at Maseno.
What was his job before becoming an MP?
He served as Secretary of Youth Affairs in the Office of the Deputy President and also ran businesses including security firms.
When was he elected to Parliament?
He was elected as MP for Kitutu Chache South in the 2022 general elections.
Has he been involved in controversy?
Yes, he has been involved in high-profile parliamentary clashes and has faced public scrutiny over certain allegations, which he has publicly denied.
Where can I follow his updates?
He is active on social media platforms such as X (Twitter) and Instagram, where he posts updates about constituency work and public engagements.
Conclusion
Anthony Kibagendi’s life path from grassroots entrepreneurship and student leadership to national politics demonstrates the potency of youth mobilization in Kenya. He remains a figure of interest — both for his community-focused initiatives and his outspoken parliamentary style.
Whether you’re researching contemporary Kenyan political figures or studying youth-driven leadership, Kibagendi’s biography offers insight into how local activism can scale to national influence.
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