Gilgil Member of Parliament, Martha Wangari, has announced that she will not use a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket to seek a third term in the 2027 General Election. In an interview on Citizen TV's She Means Business' Women in Politics series, Wangari stated that she is in no hurry to settle on a political party, describing it as one of the last considerations as she weighs her options ahead of the 2027 polls.
Wangari's independent positions on political issues have earned her accusations of being a "fence sitter". However, she maintains that she will not support wrongdoing simply because it is being done by those in government or by people on her side of the political divide. She cited her opposition to the impeachment of then-Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua as an example, saying her position was based on whether the constitutional threshold for impeachment had been met rather than political allegiance.
The legislator also spoke about the Utumishi Girls dormitory tragedy in Gilgil, questioning what she says has been done in the aftermath and raising concerns about accountability and school safety. Wangari expressed her concerns about the incident, highlighting the need for improved safety measures in schools.
Wangari further explained why she introduced the Births and Deaths Registration Amendment Bill in Parliament. She highlighted the challenges Kenyans face in accessing birth and death certificates and the need to make registration services more accessible. The bill aims to address these challenges and provide a more efficient registration process.
Beyond the political contest, Wangari opened up about the realities of financing campaigns. She discussed creative ways aspiring politicians can raise resources without relying solely on well-wishers. Wangari's comments come as many politicians face challenges in securing funding for their campaigns.
Wangari's decision not to run on a UDA ticket has sparked speculation about her future political plans. While she has not revealed which party she will use to defend her seat, she has emphasized her commitment to serving her constituents. Wangari's independent stance has earned her a reputation as a principled politician.
As the 2027 General Election approaches, Wangari's comments have generated interest among Kenyans. Her emphasis on accountability, school safety, and accessible registration services has resonated with many. Wangari's future political plans will likely be closely watched by her constituents and the wider Kenyan public.
Key points
- Gilgil MP Martha Wangari rules out using a UDA ticket for a third term in 2027.
- Wangari cites her independent stance on political issues, which has earned her accusations of being a "fence sitter".
- Wangari introduces the Births and Deaths Registration Amendment Bill to address challenges in accessing birth and death certificates.
