For someone who was once a presidential candidate in Kenya, one would expect a luxurious bungalow in his home village, as well as a better road—one that is not too dusty—leading to his home.
However, the road leading to Roots Party leader Professor George Wajackoyah’s rural home is dusty during the dry season and slippery and muddy during the rainy season, which seems an exception for someone considered powerful.
Nevertheless, this may not be Wajackoyah’s fault, as previous governments seemingly neglected to tarmac the road, hence its current condition.
Times Digital Kenya explores Wajackoyah’s home in his rural village, where he stays away from the city and political noise.
Wajackoyah’s home in the village
Known for his charisma and swagger, George Wajackoyah has a modest house in the interior of Indangalasia village in Matungu, Kakamega County.
Building a tiny village “Simba” house is part of Luhya tradition and has been practised for many years. This house now belongs to Wajackoyah and symbolises his connection to local tradition.
While he is seen as a controversial figure countrywide, in his home village Professor Wajackoyah is simply referred to as “Rais,” meaning highly respected and likened to a president.
To access the home, one passes through two metal gates spaced about 5 to 10 metres apart, with a chain-link fence surrounding the compound.
Within the small compound stands an unoccupied house that was meant for Wajackoyah’s late father. Unfortunately, he did not live long enough to realise the dream of living in the house, which now stands as a monument.
Wajackoyah’s three-storey house is at the furthest corner of the compound, with its door facing the main gate and two windows flanking the entrance to the living room.
Inside the living room, a chimney rises from the floor through the iron roof to the outside. The house also features a modern flat-roof design, with large windows offering scenic views of the surrounding area.
In addition to his Indangalasia village home, George Wajackoyah owns a beautiful house in Phoenix, Arizona, United States, where his wife mostly resides.
