Kirinyaga Governor Race: Wangui Ngirici, Kamau Murango Emerge as Leading Contenders
- Kirinyaga’s gubernatorial contest is shaping up to be one of the county’s most competitive elections, with several high-profile aspirants
- A recent survey showed voter preferences and key priorities, with 34 percent of respondents aged 18 to 34
- Former woman representative Wangui Ngirici emerged the front-runner, with Senator Kamau Murango following closely
TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
Kirinyaga county is gearing up for a highly competitive gubernatorial election in 2027.
Source: UGC
Several prominent contenders have already expressed their interest in the post, presenting visions for the county’s future.
A recent poll conducted by Kenya Track Survey between July 21 and August 19, highlighted voter preferences and priorities.
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The survey, covering 4,426 residents, noted that 34 percent of respondents were aged 18 to 34.
Is Wangui Ngirici the most preferred Kirinyaga governor candidate?
According to the survey, Wangui Ngirici currently leads the pack, supported by a strong connection to grassroots communities.
This was attributed to her track record as woman representative from 2017 to 2022.
"She championed women and youth empowerment initiatives that expanded economic opportunities for many households. Her philanthropic efforts in health and community development have strengthened her reputation as a compassionate leader," the report stated.
Ngirici is said to have promised to continue uplifting ordinary citizens if elected governor, a commitment that resonates widely across the county.
2. Senator Kamau Murango
Senator Kamau Murango has earned recognition for advocating Kirinyaga’s interests at the national level, the poll noted.
His push for increased healthcare funding and oversight has improved services across county hospitals.
According to the survey, Murango’s focus on agriculture, particularly coffee and tea farming, appeals directly to Kirinyaga’s farming community.
His combination of legislative experience and development-oriented initiatives are seen to position him as a strong contender in the race.
3. Kirinyaga Central MP Gachoki Gitari
Gachoki Gitari has built a reputation as a development-driven leader, implementing infrastructure and empowerment projects that have transformed his constituency.
Road construction and rural electrification projects were noted to have improved trade and accessibility in his constituency, with vocational training programmes also equipped young people for competitive job markets.
Gitari has also prioritised water supply and school infrastructure, reinforcing his practical approach to leadership.
Source: UGC
4. Ndia MP George Kariuki
The survey ranked George Kariuki, widely known as GK, to complete the leading aspirants with a strong people-centred approach.
He has invested in education through classroom construction, bursaries, and digital learning initiatives.
His commitment to agricultural development, including irrigation and value addition, has benefited farmers across the county," the report read.
GK’s accessibility and focus on grassroots engagement are said to have earned him loyal support in several areas.
Can Chomba Wa Ndau be Kirinyaga’s next governor?
In a previous survey, Chomba Wa Ndau emerged as the favourite for Kirinyaga’s governorship if elections were held then. The poll, conducted between June 25 and July 25, sampled over 2,000 registered voters across the county.
Respondents praised Chomba as a grassroots leader who actively engaged with communities through local initiatives, church gatherings and youth programmes.
The same survey placed Ngirici and Murango as notable contenders. Ngirici was recognised for her advocacy on women’s rights, while Murango maintained support in rural areas through his focus on farming and agriculture.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
