Backlash in Kirinyaga After Women Receive Underwear Bearing Senator’s Name

Kirinyaga Senator Kamau Murang’o has faced criticism after overseeing the distribution of branded women’s underwear to residents as part of his outreach ahead of the gubernatorial race.

Some residents questioned the value of the items, saying women in the county needed more practical forms of support. One woman, who said she had previously supported Murang’o, described the initiative as disappointing and embarrassing. She said she had expected items such as footwear or other essential goods. Another resident said politicians should focus on projects that improve livelihoods rather than distributing short-term handouts.

The controversy was compounded by the branding on the underwear, which bore the name of the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), a programme associated with women representatives. Residents questioned why a senator was distributing items bearing the branding of a fund linked to another elected office.

One resident said Murang’o needed to understand the distinction between the role of NGAAF and that of a senator, whose constitutional responsibility includes oversight. Murang’o entered active politics in 2017 as a Jubilee Party candidate for the Kerugoya Ward seat. He has served as Kirinyaga senator since September 2022 after being elected on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket.

He is the county’s third senator, after Daniel Karaba and Charles Kibiru, and chairs the Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries. He is also a member of the Senate committees on Education and Lands.

Murang’o has declared his interest in the Kirinyaga gubernatorial race. The controversy over the distribution has brought renewed scrutiny to the campaign methods used by politicians as they seek support from voters.

Residents who criticised the initiative said political leaders should prioritise programmes and projects that provide lasting benefits to communities rather than short-term giveaways.