This archive report was first published on 24 June 2020.
On June 24, 2020, the Maendeleo ya Wanawake elections were conducted in secret, with the event held without gathering in Nyeri Central due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to sources, the election was moved to avoid violating health directives, which emphasize social distancing and personal hygiene.
Despite the challenges, the election was deemed a success, with Alice Muthoni, alias Watucui, emerging as the chair of Maendeleo ya Wanawake for Nyeri Central. However, her low level of education has raised concerns among locals, who argue that she may not be the best fit for the role.
Watucui's election has been linked to Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu, who allegedly assigned her the task of intelligence gathering, along with former MCA Robert Mwai. This move has sparked debate, with some questioning the qualifications of the newly elected chair.
Emma Njoora, the former BOM chair of Nyaribop Day Secondary School, was ousted in the election, reportedly due to her ties with former Nyeri Town MP Esther Murugi. The move has been seen as a strategic maneuver by Wambugu to secure his interests in the 2022 general elections.
Locals have expressed concerns about the age difference between Murugi and the potential candidates, with some questioning whether there is an age limit for political office in Kenya.
