For Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi, every day begins with prayer. By 7:30 a.m. on a Monday, he has already attended morning mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Cathedral Church in Machakos. As he walks into his office, his staff is engaged in singing Christian hymns—a tradition he actively participates in before leading a short sermon and prayer.
Mwangangi sees these morning prayers as an essential foundation for his day, helping him approach his leadership role with humility, focus, and dedication. He credits his faith as a source of motivation, shaping both his public service and personal life. His wife, whom he calls his “prayer warrior,” plays a crucial role in fostering a strong prayer culture in their household.
The 44-year-old leader, currently pursuing a PhD in international relations at the University of Nairobi, has maintained his faith-driven routine throughout his career—from his time as a United Nations staffer to serving as Yatta MP (2013-2017). Even after losing his parliamentary seat in 2017, he saw it as a time for divine preparation, eventually making a political comeback in 2022 as deputy governor alongside Governor Wavinya Ndeti.
Mwangangi believes that prayer has shaped his leadership style, strengthened his resilience, and guided him in making tough decisions. Balancing family, academics, and politics is no small task, but he insists that spiritual strength helps him navigate challenges and remain steadfast in his service to the people of Machakos.
