Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina has delivered a blunt message to Kenyan voters, urging them to rethink their role in electing leaders as the country heads towards the 2027 General Election.
In an address to voters, Maina said Kenya’s recurring leadership challenges are not only a failure of politicians but also a reflection of how citizens make electoral choices.
“The first thing I am going to tell you is that there is no messiah coming to save us, we must save ourselves,” she said.
“The political class will always cater to their agenda first. So, do not look up to any of them, I included, as messianic characters.”
Her remarks come at a time when political activity is beginning to intensify across the country, with leaders increasing their presence in grassroots engagements ahead of the next election cycle.
Maina took issue with what she described as blind loyalty among voters, arguing that many fail to question leaders even when necessary.
“Most of us are so beholden to our respective candidates we think their word is law… we have put them on a pedestal and no one dares question them,” she stated.
She warned that politicians will soon shift tactics to win favour, including adopting populist gestures aimed at connecting with ordinary wananchi.
“This, and the next year, you shall see us on our best behavior. We shall even hug you in public… we shall be in your digs, washing the feet of everyone who cares to be washed and dancing with your mothers,” she said.
The legislator also questioned voter accountability, asking why leaders often criticised after elections continue to win at the ballot.
“You say that the politicians are crass… who votes them in?” she posed. “You can’t keep making the same decision based on the same parameters and expect change.”
Drawing from her own office, Maina pointed to accountability practices in managing public funds under the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), saying transparency should be a key benchmark for leadership.
“Every financial year, I account for public monies… from the first shilling to the last,” she said.
She outlined three qualities voters should prioritise when electing leaders—intellect, passion and integrity—warning that integrity remains the most important.
“People who have integrity are not afraid of accountability… they’re not going to be involved in grand corruption,” she added.
Maina cautioned that failure to elect leaders with these values could result in continued national frustration, even if political regimes change.
“Go and seek leaders with integrity. If you do not, the current regime shall be gone but we will all be crying and gnashing our teeth,” she said.