Murang’a Woman Representative Betty Maina will not defend her seat in 2027.
The Murang’a Woman Representative cites UDA’s Ol Kalou setback and urges voters to protect programmes supporting women and vulnerable children.
Murang’a Woman Representative Betty Maina has withdrawn from the 2027 parliamentary race, citing lessons from UDA’s defeat in Ol Kalou. She announced on Monday, November 10, that she would not seek another term.
Maina, who won the seat on a United Democratic Alliance ticket in 2022, linked her decision to shifting political sentiment. She pointed to the July 16 parliamentary by-election as a turning point in her assessment of voters.
2027 parliamentary race exit follows UDA setback
In Ol Kalou, Democracy for the Citizens Party candidate Sammy Kamau Ngotho secured 35,440 votes. UDA’s Samuel Muchina Nyaga received 5,450 votes, despite an extensive campaign by the ruling party.
Reflecting on that campaign, Maina said teams had distributed food, household goods and money to voters. However, those efforts failed to secure support at the ballot box.
She said the items included rice, beans, mattresses, blankets and cooking gas cylinders. Campaign teams also provided transport money, she said, but voters overwhelmingly chose the opposition candidate.
Maina described the experience as a lesson against misreading public sentiment. Her remarks reflected frustration among President William Ruto’s allies as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua builds support through DCP.
Meanwhile, the rivalry between the two camps continues to shape politics in Mt Kenya. The region played an important role in Ruto’s 2022 election victory.
Maina urges successor to preserve support programmes
Alongside her announcement, Maina thanked residents for electing her and acknowledged those who had supported her work. She also asked forgiveness from anyone she may have wronged during her tenure.
She urged voters to choose a successor who would continue programmes supporting women and vulnerable residents. In particular, she highlighted assistance for women’s groups, orphans and children living with disabilities.
Her withdrawal also comes amid speculation about a possible bid for the Murang’a governor’s seat. Maina had previously expressed an ambition to challenge Governor Irungu Kang’ata in the 2027 elections.
Kang’ata is seeking a second term and is expected to contest on a DCP ticket. Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome has also expressed interest in the governorship on a UDA platform.
The emerging gubernatorial contest places Murang’a among the counties where Ruto’s and Gachagua’s camps will compete for influence.
