Drama unfolded at a Nairobi-based vernacular radio station on Monday morning after lawyer Ndegwa Njiru walked out of a live interview upon discovering that Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina was part of the discussion panel.
Njiru, the Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF) spokesperson, was scheduled to discuss legal matters alongside Njeri and fellow lawyer Adrian Kamotho on a morning show hosted by radio host Muthoni wa Kirumba.
However, the lawyer opted out of the discussion, saying the prevailing circumstances were different from what he had expected.
“I can see the present environment exists differently, so I’d really wish to opt out for this discussion. You will preserve my questions for Monday. I will come to discuss them, with due respect. I will be able to execute these things properly,” Njiru said.
“Adrian, hold my brief. Thank you,” he added before leaving the studio.
Efforts by Wa Kirumba to persuade Njiru to remain on the programme and calm the situation were unsuccessful.
The incident comes amid political realignments in Kirinyaga County as politicians begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Njiru declared his intention to contest the Kirinyaga senatorial seat in December last year during a local podcast, setting the stage for a potential contest against other aspirants seeking to succeed incumbent Senator Kamau Murango.
Murango has announced his intention to contest the Kirinyaga governorship, seeking to replace Governor Anne Waiguru, whose current term ends in 2027.
Njeri has been supporting Baragwi Member of County Assembly Duncan Mathenge, who has also declared his bid for the Senate seat.
She has additionally backed Murango’s gubernatorial ambitions, with the three politicians maintaining close political ties with Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua.
Njeri, Mathenge and Murango have been conducting joint political campaigns as they seek to consolidate their support in the county.
Kerugoya-based political commentator Gikandi Njogu said the incident reflected the tensions emerging as politicians manoeuvre for positions ahead of the next elections.
“This is local politics at play,” Njogu said.
The unfolding competition in Kirinyaga is expected to shape alliances and political engagements in the county as aspirants seek to strengthen their positions ahead of the 2027 polls.
The Senate seat is among the key positions attracting interest, with the county’s political alignments likely to influence the contest.
