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The race to succeed Thika Town MP Patrick Wainaina ‘Jungle’ is gaining momentum with the entry of a youthful female candidate Dr. Njeri Karanja who will be challenging others including a former MP.

Njeri, a finance and investment expert who is in her early 30’s, will be facing former area MP Alice Ng’ang’a and clergyman David Ngari ‘Gakuyo’ among others in the August 9 polls.

Njeri has embraced Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria’s Chama Cha Kazi (CCK) in her bid to replace Wainaina who will be vying the Kiambu gubernatorial position.

Born and brought up in Gatuanyaga ward of Thika East Sub County in the sprawling and densely populated constituency, Njeri says she has what it takes to take over leadership of the electoral area as she understands the underlying issues.

“Perennial water shortages, unemployment and lack of infrastructural development are some of the problems facing our people. I will work with the locals and relevant agencies to find solutions,” she said.

Her entry into the race may complicate matters for Gakuyo and Alice who are banking on the largely youthful population to capture the seat. Njeri is targeting fellow youths to win their votes.

The young CCK parliamentary hopeful added that time has come to restore the industrial glory of Thika and is ready to face any challenge in her bid to transform the enterprising minds of locals through provision of key infrastructure.

“I understand finance quite well and I have what it takes to take Thika to the next level. The town ought to be a city by now owing to many factors among them population and its strategic location. Our people here have been ailing and my number one priority will be to help them live better,” she said.

The aspirants will be jostling for support from the less developed Gatuanyaga and Ngoliba wards of Thika East which usually provide the swing vote. Thika West which is largely urban has a higher population.

Recently, Njeri joined other candidates vying for various elective positions in committing to preach peace in their campaign sessions to facilitate prevalence of peace among the electorates.

Speaking after meeting Thika security and administrative organs, Njeri said while they are seeking support from voters, prevalence of peace comes before their aspirations.

She regretted previous scuffles that have ensued during the political season and which have seen supporters of different candidates confront each other resulting in injuries and damage of property.

Njeri specifically decried that hired goons used to advance political intolerance end up in police cells as their masters continue to politic, terming the theatrics as not only shameful but also bad for the economy.

“All of us politicians should be promoters and champions of peace. We may have different opinions but that should not amount to collisions of war. Thika will remain regardless of who the voters will give power to represent them in parliament,” said Njeri.

On her part, Jane Kamunge, a long serving passionate educationist who is seeking the parliamentary position on The New Democrats Party took issue with politicians for misusing desperate youths to cause chaos.

While urging her opponents to be worthy role models, the hopeful MP said the previous incidents in the expansive constituency have tainted the image of Thika.