KTN’s James Smart interviewed TNA aspirant for Othaya parliamentary seat Mary Wambui on post-Kibaki politics in the constituency and here is the transcription by Moses Michira.
Businesswoman Mary Wambui is betting on her long behind-the-scenes political career to win TNA nomination today in her quest to become the next Othaya MP.
The controversial political activist is, however, fighting a strong tide after the first family endorsed Gichuki Mugambi for the position despite her central role in campaigning for the outgoing legislator in past elections.
Wambui recently survived the first hurdle in the battle for the seat after the High Court trashed a suit challenging her eligibility to contest filed by four petitioners, who were questioning her integrity and education.
She rose to national prominence after her daughter Winnie Mwai was associated with the infamous Artur brothers saga, and the subsequent investigation that linked her to the international fraudsters posing as senior police officers.
QUESTION: What is the situation in Othaya before the TNA nominations?
ANSWER: It is good and the people do not want anyone to interfere with the nominations. Since I was in Kanu, I have worked with the people of Othaya and I am confident they will elect me because they do not need to be told who is good for them. They know whom they want as their MP.
QUESTION: How do you feel after the suit challenging your suitability was thrown out?
ANSWER: I pray for the people who wanted to scuttle my bid to be an MP and I am happy the judges did their work. The case was political.
QUESTION: What is your relationship with the President?
ANSWER: Kibaki is my MP and my President. I know him but on the family level, that is my private life. But then the country knows the truth about me. I have five children but our culture does not allow us to name the children. I would not want anyone to use Kibaki’s name in bad light because he loves peace and he is also a nationalist.
QUESTION: Have you sought the President’s blessings in this race?
ANSWER: Othaya people do not need to be persuaded by anyone, that is why I do not need the blessings of anyone in this campaign.
QUESTION: Who is funding your opponents in this race?
ANSWER: I don’t know, but all I want is the mandate of the Othaya people because I want to work for them.
QUESTION: Should you get the nomination, do you expect Kibaki to campaign for you?
ANSWER: I am up to the challenge in the elections. I am not sure I will need him to campaign for me.
QUESTION: How different would you as an MP be from Kibaki?
Kibaki has done a lot to help the people of Othaya and the nation at large. I will finish the porjects he started. There are challenges in the coffee sector and unemployment is high. I do not want to see any bright students failing to go to university.
QUESTION: You have been a national figure, will you shift your focus to Othaya only if you are elected?
ANSWER: I would still maintain national outlook because I have been working with people from all over the country. I look forward to help in empowerment of women and youth. Othaya will set an example nationally where we want all medical services to be free in all hospitals.
QUESTION: What would be your role as a national leader?
ANSWER: I will seek to have factories set up across the country, not just in Nairobi, to create employment. I have been to several parties – Narc activist, PNU, and now TNA. I know many people who have joined TNA because of me.
