Recently, the Embakasi East Member of Parliament, Babu Owino, endorsed Abner Collins Mango for the position of General Member in the upcoming LSK elections — a move made neither casually nor politically, but deliberately.
Pegging his support on merit, he recognized Abner’s immense contribution to the fight for justice. He noted that some of the victories realized in the struggle for justice, equity, and peace have been achieved through the commitment, discipline, and courage exuded by Abner — not only as a litigant, but as a formidable legal mind.
Speaking on camera, Babu urged advocates across the country to turn out in large numbers on the 19th and cast their vote for Abner Collins Mango as the next General Member.
But who is Abner?
I could write a book about the gentleman.
The truth is, little public information exists beyond court records — interrogation sessions on information technology systems among many other matters. Yet beyond the files lies a story of resilience, intellect, and deliberate leadership.
Abner Collins Mango, incoming General Member hopeful, is an alumnus of Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA). But more than that, he is a leader by nature.
Leadership for him did not begin in boardrooms or courtrooms. It began early — forged in adversity.
For Gen Z and Alpha, I speak of the 1998 bomb blast that shook Nairobi and claimed innocent Kenyan lives. Abner was scarcely six years old when rubble came crashing down. Yet from the debris, he rose — braving turmoil, surviving tragedy, conquering what could have broken many.
Adversity did not define him. It refined him.
In high school, Abner established himself as a brainy chap — an avid speaker, meticulous to detail, always appealing marks when exam papers were returned, always interrogating the smallest instances of injustice. The school had little choice but to appoint him class prefect — elevating him, as it were, to a lord among his peers.
He discharged that duty with fairness, responsibility, and the same devotion to justice he would later embody in life.
His legacy was not merely as a reliable and entertaining MC during talent shows, nor as a spirited school journalist during sports events. His defining mark, to me, was daring to learn French for the first time — and mastering it well enough that his French verse made it to the National Music Festivals held in Mombasa.
And there is something else about Abner.
He stood up to bullies — disarming them despite his small demeanor. He understood early that war is not always physically won; it is strategically secured.
I once asked him how he intended to physically defeat a certain Odongo. Was he certain he could fight?
His response: “Dude, I can use my teeth to bite.”
Humor — yes. But beneath it, resolve.
Hitherto, Abner has carried himself knowing full well that the courtroom is not a battlefield of noise, but one of precision, intellect, and principle.
Today, we have watched him labor tirelessly to build a brand worthy of respect — a disciplined city lawyer, relentless in pursuit of justice, uncompromising against injustice, and devoted to the rule of law.
Today, we advocate.
Today, we vouch.
For someone who deserves it.
For someone who has represented freely without expectation.
We stand with Abner because commitment of his caliber must be rewarded. We say: elevate integrity. Reward discipline. Choose substance.
Though this submission goes to Nyanza Daily — a Luo-dominant platform — let it stand on record: Abner Collins Mango has defended men, women, children, and persons with disabilities from every walk of life, every culture, and every community — often pro bono.
To him, justice has never worn a tribal badge. It has only ever worn the badge of truth.
This appeal is directed to advocates — readers, thinkers, evaluators of substance. As you reflect and weigh your choices, may you find here something that reminds you why leadership must be entrusted to those who have already proven it in action.
On the 19th, let us rally.
Let us show up.
Let us vote.
Vote Abner Collins Mango for General Member, LSK.
Not because we beg —but because justice deserves a defender who has never flinched and never will.
Oguna Mamba.
