Remarks by renowned marriage counsellor Anne Wamuratha that most Kiambu residents are mentally challenged have elicited fury among netizens especially those from the vast county who now want the hopeful Woman Representative to withdraw her statements.
In a local television show, Wamuratha who was being interviewed alongside hopeful Murang’a Women Representative Waithera Muithirania said that, unlike other counties, most people in Kiambu County are grappling with insanity, a challenge she vowed to address should residents give her power through the ballot on August 9.
In her statement, Wamuratha insisted that, unlike Murang’a County which is grappling with coffee and tea issues, Kiambu residents’ main problem is mental unwellness.
“People know the problem they face. If you ask me about Kiambu and if given the woman representative position, I would first deal with mental health issues. Residents are mentally unwell here,” she said.
In addition, Wamuratha insisted that given the power, she would sponsor a bill in parliament compelling the government to increase the kitty meant for the treatment of mental illnesses.
“I would also want to work with a governor who would help me expedite the job because I feel it’s almost everyone who is affected,” she added.
Wamuratha faces criticism online
Residents took to social media to condemn Wamuratha who they accused of being bad-mouthed and failing to address the real issues affecting them.
They accused Wamuratha of belittling them, singling out a case where she recently scattered pieces of cakes at an event to mark years of service for a notable journalist.
“Your doctorate cake-cutting woman representative Wamuratha is feeding your children like dogs. Mental health is indeed an issue. Wamuratha has a loose mouth,” Kihuria wa Ndorongo posted.
“Kiambu residents have a serious problem. Your share of the national cake will be shared like in this video,” Judy Muthoga, another Facebook user wrote.
Wamuratha is seeking to succeed Gathoni Wamuchomba in the county woman representative position on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket.
She will be facing among others Kikuyu gospel star Loise Kim, journalist Mercy Nungari, Njeri Bakari and Gladys Chania who will be vying on a Jubilee Party ticket.