Kiambu Woman Representative presenting a cheque to Waratho Youth Group at Ikinu on August 5, 2026/ ALICE WAITHERAKiambu Woman Representative Anne Wamuratha has urged politicians to seek re-election on the strength of their development record rather than insults.
Wamuratha says Kenyans should be free to support leaders of their choice without intimidation.
The UDA legislator warned that abusive campaigns, threats and personal attacks were eroding democratic values and creating unnecessary divisions within communities.
"Every Kenyan has the constitutional right to support the leader of their choice. No one should be insulted, threatened or assaulted because of their political beliefs," Wamuratha said.
She spoke during a National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) empowerment programme in Ikinu ward, Githunguri subcounty.
The lawmaker said political competition should revolve around ideas, performance and service delivery instead of hostility, adding that every Kenyan has the freedom to back the leader they believe can best serve the country.
Wamuratha defended her support for President William Ruto, saying she will back the Head of State until he fulfils promises he made to Kenyans.
"I have chosen to support President Ruto until he delivers on his commitments. Others are equally free to support the leaders they believe in. That is what democracy demands," she said.
She condemned the growing trend of dragging politicians' spouses and children into political contests, saying public debate should focus on leaders and their policies rather than their families.
The lawmaker criticised sexist attacks targeting women in leadership, saying comments about their appearance are intended to undermine their credibility instead of addressing issues affecting wananchi.
Wamuratha challenged elected leaders to account for their performance through tangible development projects rather than campaign rhetoric.
She announced that she would publish a scorecard next year detailing projects implemented during her tenure and invited Kiambu residents to judge her leadership based on results.
"Next year, I will present my scorecard to the people of Kiambu. Let wananchi judge whether I have delivered on my mandate because leadership should be measured by results," she said.
She also urged the national government to complete key development commitments in Kiambu, particularly road infrastructure and expansion of health facilities, saying residents would ultimately decide whether leaders deserved another term based on fulfilled promises.
The empowerment programme also delivered a significant economic boost to community groups after NGAAF disbursed grants and business equipment to support income-generating activities across Githunguri constituency.
Beneficiaries drawn from Ikinu, Githiga, Ngewa, Komothai and Githunguri wards received Sh100,000 grants for registered groups alongside business tools tailored to their enterprises.
The beneficiaries included Waratho Youth Group, Kamari Hope Women Group, Mununga Blessed Persons with Disabilities Self-Help Group, Friends Forever Self-Help Group, Farm to Fork Organic Community-Based Organisation, Mikafa Welfare Group, Supreme Family Youth Group, Friends of Doljah Self-Help Group, Kiruri Women Self-Help Group and Kambaa Effort Self-Help Group.
Salon operators received barber machines, UV nail kits, hair dryers, blow dryers, salon sinks and salon chairs, while food vendors were supplied with chips fryers, chips cutters, juicers, chaffing dishes and egg trolleys.
Market traders benefited from umbrellas and hand trolleys, boda boda operators received safety helmets and umbrellas, while car wash businesses were issued with washing machines to improve efficiency. Persons with visual impairment also received white canes to enhance mobility and independence.
Wamuratha said empowering organised groups with grants and productive assets was one of the most effective ways of creating jobs, reducing poverty and strengthening grassroots enterprises.
"We want these groups to use the grants and equipment to build sustainable businesses that will improve household incomes and create more opportunities within our communities," she said.
The empowerment programme will be extended to other parts of Kiambu to ensure more women, youth, persons with disabilities and vulnerable groups benefit from government support.
The NGAAF programme seeks to promote social and economic inclusion through
grants, enterprise development and capacity-building initiatives aimed at
strengthening livelihoods and accelerating grassroots economic growth.
