Kirinyaga Row Erupts Over Alleged Distribution of Murango-Branded Underwear

A political row has erupted in Kirinyaga after residents displayed women’s underwear bearing the name of Senator James Kamau Murango, amid claims that the items were distributed as part of a political outreach exercise.

The controversy surfaced in Kutus on Thursday, September 24, as residents questioned the purpose of the alleged giveaway and called on politicians to focus on issues such as bursaries, household costs and longer-term economic support.

Images and video circulating online show a white pair of underwear bearing the words “NGAAF GVN KAMAU MURANGO 2027”. The material has been presented by residents as evidence of the alleged distribution.

But there is an important unanswered question: who distributed the items, and under whose authority?

Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina has challenged those making the claims to provide evidence showing the people involved in the alleged distribution.

Maina called for clear footage showing the distributors, the branded items and the people receiving them. She also asked anyone with evidence to be prepared to record a statement with police.

She has offered a KSh50,000 reward for information that can help establish what happened.

Residents question political priorities

The incident has quickly become part of a wider conversation about what residents expect from leaders as political activity builds ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Some residents who spoke during the protest criticised the alleged distribution, saying they would rather see political leaders support programmes with a lasting economic impact.

One resident said the incident had changed his perception of Murango.

Another questioned why politicians would distribute personal items when families were facing more pressing financial challenges.

“Leaders should put more effort into programmes that directly address the challenges facing families instead of distributing items that residents can afford,” another resident said, according to reports from the protest.

The criticism was not limited to the nature of the alleged items.

Some residents also questioned the appearance of NGAAF branding on the underwear.

NGAAF question adds another layer

The National Government Affirmative Action Fund is a government programme focused on affirmative-action interventions, including support for vulnerable groups, education and economic empowerment initiatives.

Its current strategic plan identifies areas such as access to education and skills opportunities, affordable financial services and support for groups facing social and economic disadvantages.

The dispute has therefore raised a second question over the use of the NGAAF name on material bearing a politician’s name.

However, the presence of the branding on an item shown in circulating footage does not, by itself, establish that the merchandise was officially produced or distributed through NGAAF.

That is one of the issues that would need to be established through evidence.

What is Murango's role?

Murango is the elected Senator for Kirinyaga and a member of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). Parliament's official profile lists him as Senator for the county.

Under Article 96 of the Constitution, the Senate represents counties, protects their interests and governments, participates in legislation concerning counties and exercises oversight over national revenue allocated to county governments.

Murango has also held a prominent role in agricultural policy in the Senate.

He previously chaired the Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries. Parliament records show him chairing the committee during its consideration of agricultural legislation and public submissions.

He is currently listed as a member of the Senate Education Committee.

A governor's race already taking shape

The controversy comes as Kirinyaga's 2027 gubernatorial contest begins to take shape.

Governor Anne Waiguru is serving her second and final term, leaving the race for her successor open.

Murango is among the politicians being discussed as a possible candidate. Other names reported in the emerging contest include former Woman Representative Wangui Ngirici, Kirinyaga Central MP Gitari Gachoki and former Deputy Governor Peter Ndambiri.

That political backdrop gives the underwear controversy a wider significance.

For Murango, whose name is visibly attached to the alleged merchandise, the immediate issue is not only the political reaction. It is also whether the items were genuinely distributed by his campaign or associates, and whether any public programme was involved.

As of Thursday, there was no independent evidence establishing who produced or distributed the underwear.

Maina's demand for evidence has shifted the focus from the images circulating online to a more basic question: who actually put the items into circulation?

Until that is established, the allegations should remain just that — allegations.

The controversy nevertheless highlights how quickly campaign branding can become a political flashpoint as Kirinyaga's 2027 succession battle gathers pace.

About the Author

Maureen Onyango is a journalist passionate about storytelling, life coaching and spiritual lessons. She studied at the Kenya Institute of Management and enjoys telling stories that inform, inspire and empower communities.