She was the rank outsider. A businesswoman and preacher who became Meru Woman Rep in 2017, Kawira Mwangaza was roundly ignored and mocked when she voiced ambition to run for governor. For the Bishop was going to war with incumbent governor Kiraitu Murungi, the Harvard University trained lawyer-politician with a rumbling laugh who made his bones battling President Daniel Arap Moi when the woman rep had nary a pebble on her chest.
In the mix too was Senator Mithika Linturi, the millionaire politician whose personal affairs have probably roused up more newspaper headlines than the scarves in the woman's rep's wardrobe.
"I don't fear her; let her come," Kiraitu, code name King'ang'i, the Crocodile, scoffed.
But when the fog of battle cleared, the Crocodile was lying in the mud, and Linturi was wandering in the dark. Kawira Mwangaza was governor.
Then entered Baichu Murega, her guitar strumming, hat wearing husband. He was standing by her side, sitting by her side, he was ndaani , ndaani ya serikali!
He was everywhere; almost ever-present by his wife when she convened official gatherings, a fact that rubbed Meru MCAs the wrong way.
"He should stay away from her and give her space to discharge her duties as governor. The Ameru elected only one governor (Kawira) and Baichu would do well to keep his distance and leave her to do her work," they mumbled.