Uproar in Kirinyaga Over Free Branded Underwear From Senator Kamau Murang’o
There was an uproar in Kirinyaga after women residents were given free underwear branded with the name of Senator Kamau Murang’o, who is eyeing the gubernatorial seat.
The move sparked criticism from some residents, who questioned the decision to distribute underwear to women, arguing that the initiative did little to address their needs.
‘It Is Disappointing’
One resident said the distribution had left her disappointed, claiming that she had previously held the senator in high regard.
“He has failed in his job; that is why he is bringing women underwear. Just imagine underwear. I wish it could be something else, like shoes at least. No, those are small embarrassments he is doing. It is disappointing; I couldn’t even imagine. I used to respect him so much, but now he and I are done,” the resident said.
Another resident said the distribution had caused frustration in the area and urged politicians seeking elective positions to focus on initiatives that would have a lasting impact on women.
He added that women needed support that would improve their lives rather than items such as underwear.
“This thing of underwear has brought so much disappointment and problems here,” the resident said, questioning the decision to distribute the items.
“If you want to vie for senator or women representative position, stop bringing underwear to women. Underwear cannot help women. If you want to help them, do something that when you come back next time, it would have uplifted them.”
NGAAF Branding Questioned
A third resident criticised the branding of the underwear with NGAAF, arguing that the programme is associated with women representatives.
“It has embarrassed us, a whole senator bringing underwear to women, and it has been branded NGAAF,” the resident said.
He further questioned the senator’s role, saying residents expected him to understand the distinction between NGAAF and the oversight responsibilities of a senator.
“I understand that NGAAF is the project for women representatives. The work of the senator is oversight. We want him to understand the role of NGAAF and that of the senator, which is oversight,” he said.
Who Is Senator Kamau Murang’o?
Murang’o formally joined active politics in 2017, when he contested for the Kerugoya Ward seat in the Kirinyaga County Assembly on a Jubilee Party ticket.
He is serving as the Senator for Kirinyaga County; he took office on September 8, 2022, following the 2022 general elections, running under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party ticket.
Murang’o is the third senator for Kirinyaga County, following Daniel Karaba and Charles Kibiru.
In the 13th Parliament, Senator Murang’o serves as the Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries. He is also a member of the Education and the Lands, Environment, and Natural Resources committees.
What Residents Want
The backlash highlights a broader frustration among residents who feel that politicians are prioritising publicity stunts over meaningful development. As the 2027 general election approaches, aspirants in Kirinyaga and across the country are under pressure to demonstrate tangible impact rather than symbolic gestures.