The Mountain Journal
Former Kirinyaga woman MP Wangui Ngirici defended women in leadership in a heated propaganda that women should not be given a chance to lead a county.
Ngirici urged residents to give women a chance to lead regardless of the position they want, saying that judgment should not be based on gender.
In her “Ziara Mashinani” in Thiba and Kutus, Ms.Ngirici said that leadership is not based on gender but how one can deliver.
She stated that when she was a woman MP, many people, especially the old, less privileged, benefited, showing that she is capable of giving service to residents even at a higher office, stating that what Kirinyaga people need to do is gauge through service delivery.
Ms.Ngirici cautioned the residents not to be swayed by leaders clinging to party coats or individuals waiting for favours, saying such leaders do not have the muscle to lead.
“I am cautioning Kirinyaga residents not to be swayed that a woman cannot lead, don’t judge by gender, make decisions on service delivery,” Wangui said.
She also stated that women in leadership should be respected just like their male counterparts, also be given a chance to lead.
“Leadership is not about whether one is a man or a woman. It is about
qualities, vision, courage, and the ability to transform people’s lives, women in leadership and politics should be respected and should not be discriminated against,” she added.
In what appeared to be a direct attack on emerging political alignments in Kirinyaga, Ngirici cautioned residents against associating themselves with leaders being imposed on them by force, saying such is for self-protection and self-interests by leaders imposing them.
Without mentioning names, her remarks seem to be aimed at Governor Anne Waiguru, who publicly endorsed Gachoki Gitari for the Kirinyaga governorship race, as well as Kamau Murango, who has recently intensified activities linked to the DCP party.
“Leaders who want to serve Kirinyaga people must come directly to the wananchi and present their agenda instead of waiting to be carried by parties or introduced by outsiders. Kirinyaga people don’t be fooled into electing leaders imposed on you since there is some hidden agenda, there is no transparency at all,” Ngirici said.
She argued that leaders, depending on political sponsorship instead of public trust, lack genuine intentions for the people.
“Any leader who wants votes must earn them from the people. Kirinyaga residents are intelligent, and they cannot accept leaders being imposed on them,” she stated.
Ngirici further warned external political forces against interfering with Kirinyaga politics, saying the county’s voters are capable of making independent decisions without manipulation.
“Outside leaders should stop interfering with Kirinyaga’s political affairs. Our people know what they want, and they understand leadership,” she said.
Ms.Ngirici’s entrant in 2027 early campaigns has already sent signals of how Kirinyaga is expected to be, and also the weight of Kenyan politics is still being felt.
