Kirinyaga Woman Rep recalls how leaders tried to stop her from vying
By Kenneth Mwenda, March 29, 2026Kirinyaga County Woman Representative Jane Njeri Maina recalled how many people doubted her and urged her not to run for office when she first sought support.
She spoke at a Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) rally in Kirinyaga on March 29, 2026, led by party leader Rigathi Gachagua.
“During my campaign, some people told me, ‘You, Gasheri, stop vying; we will find you a job.’ Those people are still in power now,” she said. Others went further. “You will not get even 1,000 votes. Just step down and wait.”
Maina’s experience reflects the challenges she faced as one of the youngest politicians in Kenya. She was first elected Woman Representative for Kirinyaga County in the 2022 general election at age 28, making history as one of the youngest MPs in Central Kenya. She ran and won on a UDA ticket, securing a large number of votes and building a reputation as a strong voice for women and youth.
“It was God in heaven who spoke to you, people of Kirinyaga County, when you were casting your votes,” Maina told supporters. She said she never trailed behind at any polling station during the election.
Maina said two key leaders stood by her during that campaign: Senator Kamau Murango and MCA Mathenge.
“Whenever they went to ask for votes, they made sure I was with them because they were chosen people and had money, which I did not have at the time,” she said.
Maina prepares fresh campaign
Since her election, Maina has built a profile as both a legislator and advocate. Her work in Parliament emphasises youth empowerment, women’s rights and justice. She was one of the MPs who took a strong position during the 2024 Finance Bill protests, aligning with young Kenyans by voting against the bill.
Now Maina is preparing for a fresh campaign for the Woman Representative seat, this time outside UDA. She reminded the rally that her seat does not come with much funding and needs broad support.
“Now Kamau Murango is vying for governor … my seat for Woman Representative – which I will still contest – does not have much money,” she said.
“So you need to support Kamau Murango, the person I trust, and someone I can tell that the people of Kianjege need him. Then we can be there the following morning, very early.”