MP Njeri Maina Reads Mischief in Ruto’s 'Usawa ni Sawa' Agenda

Kirinyaga Woman Rep Njeri Maina has questioned President William Ruto’s intentions behind his ‘Usawa ni Sawa’ agenda.

In an interview on Wednesday, October 21, the MP accused Ruto of using the equality conversation to advance his political ambitions ahead of the 2027 General Election.

According to Njeri, the initiative was more likely to serve as a political strategy to secure another term in office than a commitment to addressing inequality.

"The president is a master of coming up with narratives to win elections. For me, I don’t think the usawa ni sawa is about equality; I think it is a conversation for him to use to endear and hoodwink Kenyans into granting him a second term, and certainly I don’t think it is going to work," she said.

Njeri questioned whether Ruto had a clear plan to translate the equality agenda into tangible outcomes, arguing that the political value of such narratives was gradually declining as Kenyans became more critical of politicians’ promises.

"The value and the power of the typical lying Kenyan politician is diminishing. The intent behind the equality conversation- I read the mischief in that; I don’t think he has a clear agenda set to ensure that he delivers in regard to that mandate," she added.

Maina also criticised Ruto's tendency to present himself as a leader seeking to rescue Kenyans, warning against the use of such messaging to advance re-election campaigns.

"The current president likes to propagate messianic narratives, that he is coming to save Kenyans. It is very wrong when people propagate narratives so that they can sell the agenda of reelection," she further said.

Elsewhere, Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has dismissed reports of dropping out of the Nairobi Gubernatorial race.  

In a statement on Wednesday, October 21, Babu flagged the reports circulating on social media as fake. 

The lawmaker accused his opponents of being behind the propaganda and insisted he is still in the Nairobi gubernatorial race. 

"My unworthy opponents have given up and are now banking on fake news. Hii Nairobi ilienda kitambo sana. The Gubernatorial race is between Babu Owino Vs Paul Ongili," the Embakasi East MP wrote.

The flagged reports alleged that Babu was asked by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to drop his Nairobi gubernatorial bid and instead contest the Nairobi senatorial seat in the 2027 General Election.