As the 2027 general election looms, a growing number of voices in Kirinyaga are expressing a clear desire for change. Not just in leadership style, but in gender. After two consecutive terms under Governor Anne Waiguru, one of Kenya’s most prominent female leaders, a new conversation is taking shape: “It’s time for a man.”
This emerging narrative is not necessarily rooted in opposition to women in power. Instead, many locals say it reflects fatigue with long-term incumbency, unmet expectations and a desire for a new kind of leadership. One that they believe may come from a male candidate.
While Waiguru’s tenure brought both praise and criticism, her back-to-back victories in 2017 and 2022 were historic. But as her constitutionally final term winds down, political temperatures in Kirinyaga are rising. Potential successors, both men and women are already positioning themselves but early public mood seems to favor male aspirants.
Observers note that this shift is more about performance than gender but that gender is being used as a lens to evaluate past leadership.
Still, this perspective raises important questions. Is Kirinyaga reverting to traditional and patriarchal expectations of leadership? Or is this simply the nature of politics where the electorate constantly seeks contrast and change?
What’s clear is that 2027 will be a test. Not just of political parties and manifestos but of whether Kirinyaga’s voters are looking for new ideas or just a new face.
As the countdown begins, one thing is certain: the next leader of Kirinyaga will walk into office with high expectations and a legacy to either challenge or build upon.