Ndegwa Njiru Enters Kirinyaga Senate Race, Says He’s Ready for Waiguru Contest

Outspoken lawyer Ndegwa Njiru has officially announced that he will be on the ballot for the Kirinyaga Senate seat in the 2027 General Election, marking what could shape into one of the most closely watched political battles in the region.

Speaking during an interview on Monday, December 8, 2025, Njiru explained that his decision was motivated by what he termed a need for stronger legislative oversight, particularly in matters involving county expenditures and compliance with devolution laws.

Njiru, who previously vied for the same seat in 2022, said that his push to enter the Senate is grounded in his belief that Kenya needs lawmakers well-equipped to interrogate public spending, draft meaningful laws, and demand accountability from both national and county-level institutions.

According to Njiru, Parliament—especially the Senate—requires leaders with a deep understanding of the law. He argued that the country has witnessed wastage of public funds in devolved units because the oversight function is either weak or politicised.

“I want to be in the Senate because I believe oversight must be taken seriously. Kenya needs quality minds capable of interrogating how resources are spent so that devolution can work as intended,” he said.

He also noted that his legal background gives him a direct advantage in analysing legislation, tracking compliance within counties, and identifying weaknesses in governance practices.

Njiru praised the work of several sitting senators whom he referred to as “voices of reason”—including those from Nyamira, Nairobi, and Kisii counties—arguing that their clarity and legislative knowledge are examples of what Senate leadership should look like.

Njiru’s announcement comes amid speculation that outgoing Governor Anne Waiguru could be eyeing the same seat after completing her second term. Without hesitating, Njiru said he would welcome such a contest and expressed confidence in his chances.

“I'm prepared to face her or anyone else. Leadership in the Senate demands one to understand legislation and oversight. We need people who know how law works and how government functions. That is what gives me an edge,” he added.

He sharply criticised Waiguru’s administration, claiming that she has not demonstrated legislative understanding nor used her position to strengthen policy areas that affect Kirinyaga residents.

Political observers say this face-off—if it materialises—could reopen old rivalries in Kirinyaga politics, especially between supporters aligned with technocratic leadership and those backing Waiguru’s grassroots-driven influence.

Njiru acknowledged the efforts of current Kirinyaga Senator Kamau Murango, noting that he has taken initiative in following up county matters before parliamentary committees. 

However, Njiru argued that the county still requires stronger representation that blends legal depth with assertive oversight.

He also pointed at other counties where—in his words—senators are “absent in legislative discussions,” claiming that poor representation is denying citizens access to quality policy input.

“When the Senate has people who are unable to grasp basic legislation, the country suffers. Oversight becomes compromised, and citizens lose millions through unmonitored spending,” he argued.

Local political analysts believe Njiru’s entry will alter succession dynamics in Kirinyaga. His appeal among young professionals and active presence on national legal debates have earned him notable visibility beyond county borders.

If Waiguru enters the race, voters will be forced to weigh her executive experience against Njiru’s law-based approach to leadership. Political strategists also expect shifting alliances involving MPs and influential county leaders, making the contest one to watch ahead of 2027.

Njiru ended his address by insisting that Kirinyaga deserves leadership grounded in competence rather than popularity.

“This county contributes to the national economy. We must defend our people through laws that work—not through emotions and political showmanship,” he said.

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