Residents display branded underwear in a video at the centre of a political controversy in Kirinyaga.
Woman Representative Njeri Maina has sought evidence and offered a Sh50,000 reward after residents linked branded underwear to Senator Kamau Murango.
Residents in Kirinyaga have protested over the alleged distribution of branded women’s underwear linked to Senator Kamau Murango, prompting Woman Representative Njeri Maina to demand evidence of those responsible.
A widely circulated video shows residents shouting, displaying and passing around items they claimed had been distributed. One white pair of underwear held towards the camera carries the inscription “NGAAF GVN KAMAU MURANGO 2027”.
The branding and residents’ allegations do not, on their own, establish who produced or distributed the items. Maina has asked for footage identifying anyone handing out merchandise bearing National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) branding.
Residents question choice of items
The video captures a mixture of amusement and anger, with residents questioning the usefulness of underwear as assistance when they have other needs. The footage has also generated heated reactions online.
One woman speaking in the video described the alleged gesture as embarrassing. She criticised the politician’s performance and argued that an item such as shoes would have been more useful to women.
A man in the footage said men already buy underwear for their partners and know what the items cost. He questioned why a politician would provide something that households were already purchasing for themselves.
He also raised concerns about men being overlooked, asking why they had not received similar attention if underwear was being presented as an appropriate form of support.
Questions over political responsibilities
Another resident focused his criticism on the distinction between the offices of senator and Woman Representative. He argued that Murango should separate his responsibilities from those associated with the Woman Representative’s office.
The resident pointed to NGAAF’s association with that office, contrasting it with a senator’s oversight and representation duties. In his view, constituents expected Murango to pursue development resources rather than distribute underwear.
He said voters had elected the senator to seek national government funding for the county government. His comments reflected the residents’ broader criticism that political engagements should address development priorities rather than the items shown in the video.
Maina seeks evidence, offers reward
Maina challenged the allegations by calling for clear evidence of any distribution involving NGAAF-branded merchandise. She asked for videos showing the faces of those involved as they handed out the items, with the branding visible.
She also requested photographs of merchandise allegedly left with recipients and said anyone submitting evidence should be willing to record a statement with the police.
Maina announced a Sh50,000 reward for evidence. Her request focused on establishing who was distributing the merchandise, rather than relying solely on footage of residents displaying it afterwards.
The controversy comes as political activity increases in Kirinyaga ahead of the 2027 General Election, with local leaders facing scrutiny over their public engagements and political conduct.
