Kirinyaga Woman Rep, Jane Njeri: Why I fought for Rigathi Gachagua

You were often seen alongside Rigathi Gachagua, showing support…

When you pick a side, you have to stick to it to the very end. It is not like I was returning any favour. I was supporting the deputy president because that is what the people I represent would have wanted me to do. Loyalty is crucial in politics, and I believe in supporting those who align with my vision and the needs of my people.

I first encountered Gachagua during his campaign in Kirinyaga, before nominations. Over time, as I navigated the political landscape, we built a relationship based on mutual respect and shared values. It took a long effort on my part to earn his trust.

Of course, I visited his office occasionally like any other Member of Parliament to see what I could lobby for my people. There have been challenges, such as the fighting in government and feelings of isolation.

However, as long as I am doing what I believe is right, I am ready to pay the price.

My loyalty is first to the people of Kirinyaga, not to the political elite.

I stand by my principles and will always prioritise my constituents' needs over popularity.

For those who may not know your story, could you share your background and upbringing?

I tell them that Njeri is very fierce and very outspoken. And she’s grounded. I grew up in Kirinyaga County, in a small village called Kibingoti. I was raised by a strict father; I learned the importance of principles and hard work.

I always aimed higher than my surroundings.

My father was the cornerstone of who I am today. He taught me values like integrity, loyalty, and commitment. I performed well in school, finishing as the top student in my class.

I graduated with a law degree from the University of Nairobi and opened my law firm. But before that, I got into employment, I think, for three months, and I figured I couldn't survive.

I wanted to be my boss and advocate for those facing social injustice, particularly women and children.

Your father played a significant role in your development. How did his strictness influence you?

He was not the father who would come home and we run away. He would shout my name at the gate and I run to welcome him home. My dad and I had so many conversations. We lost him a few weeks before I got elected. He would talk to me about life, about friends, about values.

Even as a little girl, I knew I was different. While my sisters were in the kitchen, I was in the living room watching the news with my dad, drawn to leaders like Martha Karua. I always wanted something bigger than the village.

Besides politics, you’re also an entrepreneur…

Yes. I have a small skincare line that is handmade. My dad and I started it together, which makes it special. He funded it. I have always had a strong entrepreneurial spirit. Even in university, I used to go to Gikomba, pick clothes and then sell them on Facebook.

Being a young woman in politics can be challenging. Have you had to change how you live your life since taking office?

If they see a male politician drunk and staggering, I am not saying that it is something I do, and they see a female politician doing the same, the woman will be massacred for it. The male politician will be excused.

If they see a male politician dating 10 women, he’ll be labelled as a hero, but for a female politician…

I have really curtailed my relationships. I have had to cut off a few friends that I felt would be used to target me. I barely go out. I spend a lot of time reading, watching movies or playing piano. But I don't believe women should be supported solely because of their gender.

It is about backing a woman who genuinely deserves it.

How do you balance work and your personal life?

Balancing is tricky, but for me, family comes first. With my siblings all living in different places, I focus mostly on my mum.

As often as I can, I visit her, and we spend time together.

I also dream of travelling with my family someday or attending more social functions and family gatherings with extended relatives.

While I do have two phone numbers, I am not much of a caller, and I think my voters understand that by now.  I prefer being on the ground, dealing with issues face-to-face. I usually announce my location so people know where I will be on a given day if they need to reach out.

When I finally have some time away, I make it a rule to put my phone aside, it’s essential for my mental health, especially with the ongoing process of mourning my dad, who was very close to me. Protecting my mental space is a boundary I have set for myself. I appreciate that the people have given me the grace to maintain these boundaries.

How has the loss of your dad affected your daily life and personal growth?

Grief is not something you just handle, it's more something you work on over time. I still have very hard days, and my life is so different now. I have even changed. My dad was the one I spoke to the most, sometimes four times a day. Losing that has left a huge gap, and I am still trying to adjust. I go to therapy, but it is a struggle.

​​How do you handle romantic advances on social media?

I get a lot of marriage proposals—thousands. People tell me they like me, want to marry me, or appreciate the work I am doing.

When I was first elected, people did not know me well, so while they may have liked me, they did not fully trust me yet. Nowadays, I receive messages of support and pride from those who voted for me, which is incredibly rewarding. It tells me that I am on the right path to being a leader, which is more valuable to me than popularity.

However, dealing with proposals, especially from people in different professions, including politicians, is tricky. I maintain strict boundaries and protect my personal space. I never know who has genuine intentions or might be sent by political rivals, so I am cautious and keep a distance.

What is your view on marriage?

It's not something to rush into, nor should women feel pressured to prioritise it above other contributions they can make to society.

It’s wonderful to have a companion, but it has to be someone who enriches my life, brings calm, and understands the demands of my career. I want a partner who is solid and self-assured, not someone I choose for reasons like societal expectations or political alliances.

I think we sometimes focus too much on marriage itself, forgetting that meaningful, long-term partnerships can be just as enriching.

Parents, too, should support their daughters in choosing marriage only when it truly feels right, rather than pushing them into it for the sake of tradition.

My father always advised that marriage should be with someone who brings peace, happiness, and mutual support.

Do you see yourself returning to music? You mentioned being a musician

I would like to, but my close friends, who are only three or four, are a bit worried. Still, I feel like I have earned the right to live freely and do the things I enjoy, like singing.

I am considering hosting karaoke and maybe finding a residency to perform regularly. Singing is a big part of who I am, so you might see me back in the studio soon, releasing a song or two, just for the love of it, not for the money.

What makes you prefer short hair?

For me, it is all about freedom. With short, rugged hair, I can shower, swim, and not worry about protecting it.

Plus, I am not a fan of makeup because it feels heavy, and I want people to notice my intellect, empathy, and passion first.

Being a young leader, people assumed I lacked substance. Not so many people believed in me, so I worked to earn respect and a voice at the table.

Now, I feel I have made a meaningful impact and earned a place in the hearts of the people I represent. I don’t want to be a leader who will be easily forgotten, I want to leave a lasting legacy.

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