Basic History of Nambale, Butula & Matayos Constituencies

Before the current electoral boundaries were established, the present-day Nambale, Butula and Matayos constituencies were part of one large parliamentary jurisdiction known as Busia East Constituency.

Busia East Era (1963 – 1997)

Busia East Constituency was represented by the following leaders:

• 1963 – 1969 Hezekiah Wamurwa — First MP of former Busia East
• 1969 – 1979 Gerald Masibayi Kuchio — Son of Chief Yakobo Kuchio
• 1979 – 1988 Dr. Apollinary Mukasa Mango — Husband to Prof. Christine Mango
• 1988 – 1997 Philip Masinde — Final MP before constituency split

Birth of Nambale & Butula (1997)

In 1997, Busia East Constituency was split into two constituencies:

Nambale Constituency

• 1997 – 2013 Chris Okemo (served three terms)
• 2013 – 2022 John Sakwa Bunyasi
• 2022 – Present Geoffrey Ekesa Mulanya

Butula Constituency

• 1997 – 2002 Francis Yekoyada Omoto Masakhalia
• 2002 – 2007 Prof. Christine Mango
• 2007 – 2013 Alfred Bwire Odhiambo
• 2013 – 2017 Michael Aringo Onyura
• 2017 – Present Joseph Oyula Maero

Creation of Matayos Constituency (2013)

In 2013, Nambale Constituency was further subdivided, resulting in the creation of Matayos Constituency.

Matayos Constituency

• 2013 to date — Hon. Geoffrey Makokha Odanga

Meaning & Significance

This evolution reflects:

• Kenya's demographic growth
• The need for better representation
• Expansion of administrative structures to bring leadership closer to the people

From one expansive constituency in 1963 to multiple vibrant constituencies today, the region continues shaping its socio-political identity, nurturing leaders, strengthening democracy, and enhancing service delivery.