‘People Want Food, Not Tribal Politics’: MP Njeri Maina Says Mt Kenya Could Back Opposition Without Regional Candidate in 2027
Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina has declared that the Mt Kenya region could overwhelmingly support the opposition in the 2027 General Election even if the coalition does not field a presidential candidate from the region, arguing that voters are increasingly driven by economic hardships rather than ethnic or regional loyalty.
Speaking during an interview on KTN on Monday, July 20, Maina dismissed the long-held belief that Mt Kenya voters would automatically rally behind President William Ruto’s camp simply because Deputy President Kithure Kindiki could feature on the ruling coalition’s ticket as running mate.
Instead, the outspoken legislator said Kenya’s political landscape is undergoing a significant shift, with citizens placing greater emphasis on leaders capable of addressing the high cost of living, unemployment, healthcare and education challenges.
“Kenyans have realised that even if you vote for the so-called home candidate, 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,” Maina said.
Her remarks come amid growing speculation over the shape of the 2027 presidential race, with opposition leaders seeking to unite behind a single candidate while the Kenya Kwanza administration is expected to seek re-election under President William Ruto.
Maina argued that while politicians may continue to appeal to ethnic and regional identities during campaigns, such messaging is rapidly losing influence as voters become more concerned with their daily economic struggles.
“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,” she stated.
Defends Ol Kalou Residents Over By-Election Violence
The Kirinyaga Woman Representative also weighed in on the violence witnessed during the July 16 Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, where clashes broke out after suspected hired goons reportedly confronted residents at polling centres.
Maina defended the actions of local residents, insisting that every Kenyan has a constitutional right to protect themselves when faced with violence or attacks.
Using a hypothetical scenario, she argued that communities cannot be expected to remain passive in the face of repeated criminal acts.
“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 safeguards every citizen’s right to personal security and lawful self-defence.
“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,” Maina added.
Backs Gachagua’s Position
Maina further defended former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, saying his repeated calls for communities to protect themselves have been misunderstood.
According to the MP, Gachagua’s position has always been centred on safeguarding lives and property rather than encouraging violence.
“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 comments add to the growing political debate over security, regional politics and the opposition’s strategy ahead of the 2027 elections, as parties continue positioning themselves for what is expected to be one of Kenya’s most fiercely contested presidential races.
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