The Leader of Majority in the National Assembly Kimani Ichung’wa found himself at the center of a social media storm after his statement mocking former Samburu Women Representative, Maison Leshomo.
The statement followed Leshomo’s appearance as a representative of the Azimio Economic Council during discussions of the National Dialogue Committee (NDC) at Bomas on Tuesday, October 3.
Speaking on X (formerly Twitter), the Kikuyu Member of Parliament expressed apparent surprise at Leshomo’s presence within the team.
“Jesus! Maison Leshomo is part of the Azimio Economic Council. If you know the gracious former Member for Samburu, you just give up!” he stated.
The remark immediately ignited a fierce online debate, with Kenyans taking sides on the issue.
Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina weighed in, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and embracing diversity.
Also Read: AFC Leopards Collect Ksh1.4 million Through Ticket Sales
He wrote, “We must include everyone and appreciate our diversity……your five fingers are not the same but they help! Humility my brother, humility.”
Ichung’wa Slammed
Another supporter of Leshomo pointed out, “Stop the disrespect. It’s not a must for someone to have academic credentials for them to have knowledge about economic Matters. Fulfill your promises; stop the hate.”
Moreover, a user defended Leshomo’s right to contribute to economic discussions, stating, “She may not have gone to Alliance like you, but we celebrate her for being a woman and a mother,” referring to Ichung’wa’s attendance at Alliance High School.
A particularly poignant comment came from another user: “Don’t shame the gracious lady, and who told you she was, she was never introduced as such, and the council members led by Governor Nderitu Mureithi are known.
Critique the presentation instead of cherry-picking faces for shaming yet the majority of Kenya Kwanza CSs are out of depth on mundane things.”
Also Read: Fighting in Meru is a Hobby-Moses Kuria
Maison Leshomo’s background
However, some defended Ichung’wa’s skepticism, with one user asking, “But surely, what is a class 5 dropout doing in an economic council?”
This comment touched on Leshomo’s educational background, which has been a subject the discussion.
Maison Leshomo was born and raised from a marginalized Samburu community and became an advocate for girls’ education, defying cultural norms that hindered progress.
Her journey as a politician date back to 1992 when she was nominated as a counselor, a position she held for a decade.
She is a former Maendeleo ya Wanawake chairperson in Maralal District and served as Samburu County’s Women Representative from 2017 to 2022.
The NDC Economic Council also featured notable figures such as former Laikipia governor Nderitu Mureithi, Dr. Caroline Karungu, and Azimio Women Advocates.
