Kiambu Woman Representative Anne Wamuratha has hit out at the growing culture of political insults and intimidation, declaring that every Kenyan has a constitutional right to support the leader of their choice without fear of abuse or violence.
Speaking during a National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) empowerment programme in Zikinu Ward, Githunguri Sub-county, Wamuratha urged politicians to tone down inflammatory rhetoric ahead of the 2027 General Election, warning that the country’s political discourse was becoming increasingly toxic.
The outspoken UDA legislator also reaffirmed her support for President William Ruto, saying she would continue backing him until he fulfils the promises he made to Kenyans during the 2022 election campaign.
> “I have the right to support President William Ruto until he delivers what he promised the people. That is my democratic choice, just as every Kenyan has the right to choose the leader they believe in,” she said.
Her remarks come amid escalating political realignments in the Mt Kenya region, where rival camps have intensified campaigns ahead of the next elections.
Wamuratha said political differences should never be used as a basis for insults, threats or intimidation, insisting that democracy thrives when citizens are free to express divergent opinions.
She condemned reports of politicians and their supporters threatening voters over their political choices, saying no Kenyan should be bullied or assaulted for supporting a particular leader.
> “No one has the right to threaten you because of the person you support. Even if you disagree with me politically, you must respect my right to make my own decision,” she said.
The Woman Representative also criticised leaders who attack each other’s families during political campaigns, saying such behaviour lowers the standards of public leadership.
She particularly took issue with derogatory remarks directed at female politicians, saying women leaders continue to face sexist attacks unrelated to their work.
> “Leave politicians’ families out of politics. If you have an issue with me, face me as a politician. My children should never become part of political battles,” she said.
She dismissed remarks suggesting women wear makeup or dress well to attract men, describing such comments as outdated, demeaning and an attempt to undermine women in leadership.
> “I wear makeup because I feel good about myself, not because I want anyone’s approval. Women should not be belittled because of how they choose to present themselves,” she said.
Wamuratha appealed for a return to issue-based politics, saying leaders should compete on development records rather than insults.
She announced that she would next year present Kiambu residents with a comprehensive scorecard detailing the projects she has implemented during her term in office, saying voters should judge leaders based on performance.
> “Next year I will present my scorecard. Let the people assess what I have achieved. Elections should be about work done, not about who follows which politician,” she said.
The legislator maintained that elected leaders are accountable to wananchi rather than political kingpins, adding that development should remain the central focus as the country heads towards another election cycle.
She challenged fellow politicians to allow voters to make informed choices after evaluating each leader’s record.
“We should compete through service delivery. Let every leader present their achievements and allow Kenyans to decide,” she said.
Wamuratha also used the forum to press the national government to honour development commitments made to Kiambu residents, saying promises on road infrastructure, healthcare and other public projects should be fulfilled before campaigns begin in earnest.
She said residents would ultimately judge leaders on whether those pledges had been implemented.
The NGAAF empowerment programme brought together women, youth and community groups from Githunguri, where beneficiaries received support aimed at promoting economic empowerment and self-reliance.
As political temperatures continue to rise across the country, Wamuratha appealed for civility, mutual respect and tolerance, warning that divisive politics could undermine national unity.
“Let us respect one another despite our political differences. Democracy is about listening to every voice and allowing the people to make their own choices peacefully,” she said.
