From the Streets to State Office: The Extraordinary Rise of Commissioner Leonid Ashindu

In a country where the paths to leadership are often assumed to be paved with privilege, the story of Commissioner Leonid Ashindu defies the norm and redefines what is possible through resilience, hard work, and purpose.

Leonid Ashindu’s journey began in March 2007 when he arrived in Nairobi with hope but no home. Living on the streets, he took up work as a potter in Marikiti and Muthurwa markets just to survive. Later, he joined a cousin in Umoja, working as a laborer in a carpentry workshop in Buruburu.

His hustle continued in the Soweto slums of Kayole where he hawked cigarettes and sweets during the day and worked construction jobs to earn a living—all while pursuing his studies at Kenya Technical Teachers College (KTTC) and the Kenya Polytechnic.

In March 2009, a new chapter opened when he was enlisted into the Kenya Prisons Service. After graduating in September that year, he served at Industrial Area and Kamiti Prisons before being seconded to the State Department of Public Works. In 2011, he was posted to Siaya County under the Ministry of Education as a County Clerk of Works.

The same year, he joined the Architectural Association of Kenya and the Institute of Clerks of Works of Kenya—rising through the ranks to eventually serve as its chairperson. Between 2012 and 2015, he expanded his expertise further, working with Sinopec International as a measurement engineer and later as a private consulting Clerk of Works.

In 2016, he joined UNOPS as a consultant while simultaneously serving in Kakamega County as a Sub-County Youth Training Officer. In 2017, he joined the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) as a Principal Administrative Officer (Clerk of Works/Safety Officer).

His leadership journey within professional bodies continued as he served in various capacities at the Association of Professional Societies in East Africa (APSEA), including Assistant Treasurer in 2019 and First Vice Chairman in 2023.

Commissioner having his moments with his former classmates

Despite all his accomplishments, few know that in October 2005, years before his national recognition, he was arrested and remanded at Kodiaga Prison for three months due to his activism around constitutional reforms. This chapter, though painful, deepened his resolve for justice and reform.

In May 2024, APSEA submitted his name to the President as a nominee for the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC). His nomination was approved, and on January 20, 2025, he was sworn in as Commissioner—bringing full circle a journey that began with hardship but never lost direction.

It is this extraordinary life journey that culminated in the grand thanksgiving ceremony held in April 2025 in Butere, where national leaders, colleagues, and citizens gathered not just to honor a professional milestone—but to celebrate a life marked by determination, sacrifice, and unshakable commitment to public service. The event served as a powerful testament to how far Commissioner Ashindu has come, and how deeply his story resonates across Kenya.

Saturday, 26th April 2025 – Manyala Primary School, Butere Sub-County

A Crown of Service: Honoring a Journey of Purpose at the Butere Thanksgiving

A high-level thanksgiving ceremony was held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Manyala Primary School in Butere Sub-County to honor the exemplary public service of Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) Commissioner Leonid Ashindu. The event was marked by state-level coordination, top-tier security, and the presence of national and county leaders, constitutional commissioners, and members of the public.

SRC Commissioner Leonid Ashindu at the center in a group photo

The program commenced with a ceremonial procession from Commissioner Ashindu’s residence, led by the clergy, followed by a symbolic tree planting. A spiritually rich Holy Communion service was conducted by Rt. Rev. Dr. George Mechumo, Bishop of the ACK Diocese of Bungoma, which featured hymns, prayers, scripture readings, and reflection.

Chair SRC Sammy Chepkwony | Giving his keynote address.

 A full range of dignitaries were in invited, including:

• Rt. Hon. Dr. Moses Masika Wetang’ula, Speaker of the National Assembly (Chief Guest- Sent a Representative)

• H.E. FCPA Fernandes Barasa, Governor, Kakamega County

• H.E. Dr. Wycliffe Oparanya, Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs

• Hon. Justice Antony Oteng’o Ombwayo, Judiciary [Sent a Representative]

• Prof. Nicholas Letting’, APSEA

• Mr. Sammy Chepkwony, Chairperson, SRC

• Hon. Tindi Mwale, MP, Butere Constituency

• Sylvano Mutembei, Deputy County Commissioner, Butere

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) was represented by Commissioner Dr. Dennis Nyongesa Wamalwa, whose attendance emphasized the role of inter-agency collaboration in promoting ethical public service. His presence was formally recognized by Commissioner Ashindu through an official letter of appreciation for his steadfast support, commitment to justice and human rights, and contribution to the success of the occasion.

The event bore the hallmarks of a national celebration. Security was tight, with deployments from over four distinct security formations (vitengos), ensuring smooth coordination and safety for all attendees. Guests were treated to an elaborate program of speeches, tributes, cultural entertainment, and a generous reception. The scale of hospitality — with abundant food and coordinated service — matched that of a state function, reflecting the deep respect held for Commissioner Ashindu across government circles.

In his keynote remarks, Commissioner Ashindu expressed heartfelt gratitude to his family, community, colleagues, and national leadership. He called for unity, continuity in service, and accountability in public institutions.

Commissioner Dr. Wamalwa lauded the event’s symbolism and scale, stating that it represented “a celebration not just of one man’s journey, but of the collective duty we all share in safeguarding values of integrity, fairness, and public trust.”

The thanksgiving function concluded with closing remarks and a vote of thanks, leaving attendees inspired and united in the spirit of public service and national development.