Honour for man who has seen MPs come and go

Honourable Members! .... Misteeeeer (Mr) Speaker!”

When Mr Absalom Castro Muyeyia Wendo comes out with that authoritative roar with the new session of Parliament on Tuesday at 2.30 pm, it will be with a renewed pride from his deep voice and new spring in his step.

The voice roaring through the Chamber calling the House to order usually commands absolute silence as MPs present cease the chatter and rise to attention as the Speaker is ushered in.

It is the first voice that rings through the Chamber at the start of every session on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays as well as every State opening.

Many know the heavily-built man whose big voice calls the House to attention by only one name, Wendo.

The man who dons a green parliamentary Serjeant-at-Arms uniform has been doing this for 24 years, and took great pride last week when he received the Head of State commendation awarded by President Kibaki on the Jamhuri Day Honours List in December.

Last Tuesday he officially received the medal from the Speaker of the National Assembly Mr Kenneth Marende in the presence of four members of the Parliamentary Service Commission. It was recognition of distinguished service and devotion to duty.

Asked to say a few words about his service at Parliament he emphasised on discipline, commitment and dedication to duty.

“It is not by my might but the love of God and I feel as happy as a newborn child,” he said. Mr Wendo has served Parliament for 37 years, long enough to serve three generational leadership changes.

His is a story of a humble rise from a subordinate worker to an assistant Sergeant-at-Arms, a position he was promoted to two years ago.

Born the second child in a family of eight in 1950 in Ikolomani, Kakamega, he recalls having ‘tarmacked’ for sometime before he landed at Parliament.

He had worked for a construction company in 1970 before landing a contract with the Kenya Power Lighting Company in Nakuru. He decided to quit after finding installation of power lines in thick forests too dangerous and tedious for his then young age.

He left for Nairobi where he landed an eight month contract with British American Tobacco (BAT). That was in 1972.

While working with BAT, a friend of his, whom he declines to name, was eyeing a leadership position in the Abaluhya Football Club (AFC). He campaigned so vigorously for him and he landed the position of organising secretary.

To show appreciation for his input in the victory, his friend asked him whether he would prefer money or a job and he opted for the latter.

That is how he ended up in Parliament where he was employed as a subordinate staff.

He recalls that he had expected an attractive salary from his new employer but was disappointed to learn that there was no much difference with his previous one. But still, he decided to love his job.

Due to his commitment to work and discipline, he was later appointed a commissionaire—a job that involved calling the House to order.

He was taken for training at the Administration Police Training College (APTC) Embakasi and he continued working in that position until two years ago when a vacancy arose for an assistant Sergeant-at-Arms.

There were four people interested but Mr Wendo clinched the job. He is confident that it was largely due to his dedication to duty.

“My promotion I believe, was mainly because of my hard work, a clean heart and good relations with others. I am sure that is why they saw me fit, among the four, to fill the position,” he said.

Mr Wendo does not entertain any disorderly conduct and will not compromise with anyone who does not abide by the rules of Parliament.

He has a face for all occasions and many know him by a tough and no-nonsense look when circumstances require. But on easy days, he will throw a joke here and there and even afford a chat with some. One thing is for sure though, that he strictly knows where to draw the line between work and socialising.

His work, he says, requires a strong and understanding heart, especially with MPs. He knows most of them by behaviour and he has respect for all, he says.

One thing he has avoided is rudeness to MPs, regardless of how they may treat him.

“I have worked with the leaders of this country and I know their behaviour,” he says.

He has served the past nine Parliaments under various Speakers and Clerks and he says of them; “all have been good people.”

He recalls the change from a one party to a multi-party system as the most difficult period for many a parliamentary staff. The Clerk of the National Assembly would advise them to serve all MPs regardless of their parties and this made work easier.

He recalls once when two MPs had a fight and one of them took off when he saw him walk into the lounge. They had fought over personal matters, he says.

Of MPs he says, watching them in the Chamber arguing over issues one would think they are enemies, but they are friends when they step out and even share drinks after that.

Security check

His day begins at 6 am when he reports and conducts a security check around the precincts of Parliament to ensure everything is in order before he files a report.

Mr Wendo regrets that many of today’s young people put so much focus on the salary than on the service they give to their employer and advises that greater satisfaction comes from serving with dedication. The rest would fall in place, he says.

“Just respect elders and work with all your heart,” he advises.

Mr Wendo is married with two children, one of them married and the last born who cleared high school last year.

His appeal to the Government is to assist his son realise his dream of joining the Army.

As for him, he is ready to retire any time. And when he does so, he says, he will have no regrets for in his heart he is satisfied that he has served his employer well.

“I am so happy with my work,” he says.