A person can be elected as a Member of Parliament as many times as possible, if the electorates have faith in him or her.
These are sentiments of a Limuru constituency resident and political analyst Paul Ngugi.
Ngugi dismissed calls by some politicians that since former MP Peter Mwathi and the incumbent John Kiragu have served for two terms, that they cannot be elected again.
In fact, Ngugi urged the electorates to start preparing for Mwathi’s season three, saying many of the residents were counting what he had achieved in each term.
“MP seats are not like the President or governor’s posts. You can serve for many terms if the electorates have trust with you” he said.
“We have been listening to the residents and many of them are saying that he was best suited for the seat owing to what he had achieved in each term. They say that he believed in leaving a legacy for the term he was in office” Ngugi paraphrased.
Another resident, Joyce Wanja, said that they recall Mwathi with education matters.
“He used to ensure that no students was at home due to lack of school fees. He also used to sponsor our youth with short courses and many of those who benefited with those courses have started their own enterprises and were earning money ” she said.
She said that the former legislator was nicknamed as “Mwathi wa Githomo” meaning, Mwathi with Education, owing to how he supports education at schools.
On his part, Mwathi, who is an ally of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and also the Democracy for Citizens Party vice chairman in charge of strategies, has declared his interest in the parliamentary seat.
Mwathi, who had sought for the seat using the Jubilee Party ticket in 2022 but lost to the incumbent who was contesting on a UDA party, says that he had plans to improve locals’ lifestyle.
However, he says that his visions are still valid for ensuring that the constituency had moved forward and developed.
“Even if I lost to the incumbent owing to the political wind which was there, so many people still call me seeking for my support and advise in times of need. I have never failed them. I have a lot of trust with them that they will help me clinch the seat again” he said.
Ngugi says that some legislators who lose seats with cases of misappropriation of funds and other scandals fail to be elected again.
“Mwathi lost the election in a clear election. He did not have a case or anything ill people can accuse him with. Meaning, his come back will be easy” he said.
“Many people view Mwathi as a trustworthy, faithful, approachable, intelligent and development minded leader” he added.
The former MP will face off with the incumbent and other aspirants such as businessman Kamau Livondo, John Gachoka, teacher Sammy Maina, and business lady Wanjiru Ndung’u among others.
