NAIROBI, Kenya July 16 – Murang’a Woman Representative Betty Njeri Maina has ignited a political storm after threatening to repossess boats distributed to residents during the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election campaign following the ruling United Democratic Alliance’s (UDA) crushing defeat.

📻 Breaking It Down

Maina, one of UDA’s most vocal campaigners in the constituency, made the remarks after provisional results showed Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Sammy Kamau Waweru opening an unassailable lead over UDA’s Samuel Muchina Nyagah, in what has been widely viewed as a major political setback for President William Ruto in the Mt Kenya region.

”All said and done.Hii tunarudi nayo.(This one we are we leaving with it)Gataru tutiratiga (We are not leaving the boat),”Maina stated.

Her remarks drew immediate criticism, with opponents arguing they reinforced accusations that development projects rolled out during the campaign were tied to political support.

📌 What You Need to Know

The boats had been among several empowerment items distributed by the government in the run-up to the by-election.

At Mirangine Dam and Gwa Kiongo, residents received fishing boats under a Blue Economy programme aimed at boosting livelihoods.

Government officials said the initiative formed part of a broader package of development projects launched ahead of the poll, insisting the investments were long-planned and not linked to the election.

Opposition leaders, however, maintained the programmes amounted to voter inducement.

The controversy erupted as UDA leaders began publicly conceding defeat.

Digital strategist Dennis Itumbi congratulated Waweru signaling the imminent defeat by the UDA candidate.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya