Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina has dismissed claims that Mt Kenya voters will automatically support President William Ruto’s camp if the opposition fails to include a candidate from the region in its 2027 presidential ticket.
Speaking during an interview on KTN on Monday, July 20, Maina said voting patterns in Kenya are changing, with many citizens increasingly focusing on economic challenges, the cost of living and service delivery rather than regional representation.
The lawmaker was responding to a question on whether Mt Kenya voters would be influenced to support Ruto’s side if Deputy President Kithure Kindiki becomes his running mate while the opposition fields a presidential ticket without a Mt Kenya representative.
Maina argued that many Kenyans have realised that electing leaders based purely on regional identity does not necessarily improve their lives.
“Kenyans have realised that even if you vote for the quote and quote home, it does not solve issues for you, it does not put food on the table for you, it does not build the roads for you,” she said.
She noted that while politicians may continue using regional narratives during campaigns, such strategies are becoming less effective as voters increasingly demand solutions to economic, healthcare and education challenges.
“I know that such a thing will be propagated by politicians, because politicians will sell anything. The lying nature of a regular Kenyan politician is diminishing in the face of apparent economic, health and education situations that are in a dire state,” Maina added.
The MP also defended residents of Ol Kalou following accusations that some locals took matters into their own hands during the July 16 parliamentary by-election after clashes involving suspected hired goons.
Maina said communities have a right to protect themselves when faced with threats, arguing that citizens cannot be expected to remain passive when their safety is at risk.
“If someone comes to your home, attacks and takes chicken and goats, the following day they come and defile your child. What do you think they will do on the third day? Are you going to wait for them to come and read for them the Bible?” she posed.
She maintained that the Constitution protects the right to personal security and self-defence, saying individuals have a right to respond when under attack.
“Of course you are going to defend yourself and every human being has a right to self-defence. The Constitution recognises that every Kenyan citizen has the right to security of self, and that means if they are under attack, then they have a right to defend themselves,” she said.
Maina further said former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s calls for communities to protect themselves were not intended to promote violence but were driven by concerns over protecting lives and property.
“My leader Rigathi Gachagua has always said this. We are not happy to do this. It is from a point of view that we need to do this because we have to defend ourselves,” she said.
Her remarks come as political parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election, with questions over regional alliances and presidential running mates expected to remain a key part of political discussions.