Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina speaks during a DCP rally./HANDOUT
Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina has defended former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s record on youth issues, citing his support for young people arrested during the Gen Z protests.
Speaking during a youth engagement organised by the Democratic Congress Party (DCP) at Gachagua’s Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri, Maina recalled her involvement in defending protesters who were arrested during the demonstrations.
“During the Gen Z protests, I was in the frontline defending those arrested during the protests. I could enter the court at 7 am and leave court late in the evening,” she said.
Maina said the experience allowed her to stand alongside young Kenyans who were demanding greater accountability and a stronger voice in the country’s affairs.
She also said that Gachagua contributed Sh10 million towards securing bail for young people arrested during the protests.
“Our party leader, Rigathi Gachagua, contributed Sh10 million towards securing bail for those arrested during the demonstrations,” she said.
Maina said the alleged support demonstrated Gachagua’s solidarity with young Kenyans beyond political rhetoric.
She urged young people to turn their civic activism into political participation by seeking elective positions and taking part in policy and governance.
The remarks come as political parties intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election, with young people expected to play a significant role as both voters and candidates.
Maina said Gachagua had assured young aspirants that the DCP would conduct free, fair and transparent nominations.
“He has also assured us that our party will conduct free, fair and transparent nominations, giving every aspiring leader an equal opportunity to compete,” she said.
She encouraged young people to support one another and make use of the political opportunities available to them.
Maina also cited her own political journey, saying she was elected Kirinyaga Woman Representative at the age of 27 despite being told she would not succeed.
She challenged young aspirants to build strong relationships with voters at the grassroots, including small-scale traders and boda boda riders, and actively market themselves.
Maina's remarks centred on the need to create greater political space for young leaders and encourage them to seek elective positions ahead of the 2027 General Election.
