Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire has opened her heart to President William Ruto, revealing the ridicule, mockery, and political pressure she has endured for boldly standing by the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Speaking when Ruto joined her for a service at the ACK Diocese of Embu on Sunday, July 6, 2025, Mbarire shared that her loyalty to the government has not come without a price, recounting how critics have continuously belittled her efforts and questioned her visibility and dressing style.
She pointed out that she has since earned herself nicknames such as ‘Karinda’, coined from her signature short dresses, which she often wears while making public appearances to champion the achievements of the Kenya Kwanza government.
“Mr President, there are people who keep saying I have done nothing. You know, out here I am even called Karinda because of wearing these dresses while going to events. There was a time I was told that the dress I wore had even torn, and I told them it is bound to tear because I am everywhere working,” she said, drawing laughter and applause from the crowd.
She noted that even when her appearance was mocked, women around her stood by her and offered reassurance, telling her not to worry about what people were saying.
“They told me if it tears, they have thread and a needle ready to stitch it back up, so we can move forward,” she added.
Political pressure
Mbarire went on to address the rising political pressure she faces, affirming that she has made it clear to her people that the current government was elected to serve a five-year term, and it is only after that period that the political playing field should open once more.
“There is a lot of political pressure, and I have told my people, and I repeat again today—every government that is elected is given five years to work, and after that, we go back to the field to ask for votes,” she said.
Reflecting on past political mistakes, she warned her constituents against repeating the errors that saw Embu leaders move to the opposition in previous regimes, which led to missed development opportunities.
She revealed that some leaders have been mounting pressure on her to switch camps and join the opposition, but she maintained that she is not willing to take that route, as she fears Embu will be sidelined once again when it comes to key development projects.
“Five years ago, we lost out because most leaders from Embu left the government and ended up being bypassed by development like we were daydreaming. And now, Mr President, some people are telling me that we make that mistake again—that we leave government and go to fight from outside, only to lose another five years,” she said.
