Muranga Woman Representative Betty Maina engages with her supporters /HANDOUT

Murang’a Woman Representative Betty Maina has declared her intention to contest the county’s gubernatorial seat in the 2027 general election, setting up a potentially fierce political battle against incumbent Irungu Kang’ata and Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome.

Maina, popularly known as ‘Betty ee Sawa’, announced that she would seek the position on the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket, where she is expected to face competition from Wahome.

She was elected Murang’a Woman Representative in the 2022 on a UDA ticket and has since emerged as one of President William Ruto’s vocal political allies in the Mt Kenya.

Kang’ata, on the other hand, is expected to defend his seat on the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) ticket, led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Her entry adds another heavyweight contender to the race, which is shaping up as a major political contest in Murang’a, with the UDA nominations likely to attract considerable attention.

“We said that the governor is a woman. Yes, Murang’a Governor will be a woman,” said Maina, who is married to Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi.

The first-term legislator has already started mobilising support, with her supporters embracing the political nickname ‘Governor B’ as she seeks to position herself as a serious contender.

Maina has also endorsed Nominated UDA Senator Veronicah Maina to succeed her as Murang’a Woman Representative should she secure the gubernatorial ticket.

She has been among President Ruto’s vocal defenders in the Mt Kenya region and a key supporter of UDA, particularly during a period when the ruling party faced growing resistance following Gachagua’s impeachment in October 2024 and the controversy surrounding the Finance Bill 2024.

The legislator has argued that she played a significant role in rebuilding support for the party in the region and is now demanding fairness in the forthcoming nominations.

“If you meet with people, and they ask you which position Betty is vying for, tell them I am vying for the governor’s seat.”

“Here we are saying ‘Governor B’. I will not allow myself to be ridiculed because I am young. This young leader who gives you beans is the one God has chosen,” Maina said on Tuesday during an engagement with supporters at Mbogoini Primary School Grounds in Kahumbu Ward, Kigumo constituency.

However, political analysts say her ambition faces significant hurdles, particularly against Kang’ata, who enjoys the advantage of incumbency, and Wahome, a seasoned politician with considerable political networks.

“She faces a tough test. Kang’ata and Wahome are not walkovers. Beyond being in politics for long, they have the financial muscle to bankroll their campaigns,” said political analyst Michael Wanjora.

Kang’ata enters the contest with a formidable electoral record. He won the 2022 gubernatorial election with 256,561 votes, representing 73.78 per cent of the votes cast.

His closest challenger, former governor Jamleck Kamau, garnered 91,164 votes on a Jubilee Party ticket.

Other candidates included Wairagu wa Maai, who received 42,318 votes, and Irungu Nyakera, who garnered 21,150.