"Elect Individuals, Not Party Affiliations,” Susan Says as She Seeks to Become First Female Governor of Tharaka-Nithi

Tharaka-Nithi County Woman Representative Susan Ngugi has asked residents to elect individuals based on their performance and skills rather than party affiliations.

Susan, who was speaking during an empowerment program in Karumbi in Mwimbi Ward on Monday, insisted that politicians should let electorates pick their preferred leaders, saying the 6-piece voting pattern "suit" will not play in the 2027 elections.

"Members of the public should be able to elect their preferred leaders without anyone enticing them with party politics. We are not going to vote the 'suit' way. Let leaders be picked based on skills and what they can deliver to the people," she said.

The legislator, who also doubles as The Service Party (TSP) Deputy Leader, insisted that the party was still under the Kenya Kwanza umbrella, rallying support for President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki for re-election.

Susan, who is seeking to become the first elected female governor of Tharaka-Nithi, noted that there was a need to achieve the two-thirds gender rule in the county's leadership, defending her move to vie for the gubernatorial position.

"I want to grow. I can't be in one position forever. Meru has been able to produce a female governor and other female leaders who were once Woman Representatives. In Tharaka-Nithi, we only have one woman in leadership. Since you gave me power, I want to move further and empower another woman to take my current seat. We must fight for leadership as women in Tharaka-Nithi," she said.

The Woman Representative was speaking when she met the Karumbi Welfare Self-Help Group after donating two 50-seater tents and 100 chairs.

She also met the Kagwati Clan Welfare Group and made the same donation.