Why Central Women Candidates are Calling Themselves President Uhuru’s ‘Minji Minji’

Women politicians in Central Kenya have adopted a new trend in their campaigns and are now referring to themselves as ‘Minji Minji’.

The name ‘Minji’ means green peas in Kikuyu and the new trend has been reinforced by a radio entertainment segment by popular radio presenter Kamau wa Kang’ethe to represent a woman with beauty and brains.

It's also used to show women the love and appreciation.

The witty tag has been popularised in Kirinyaga and Kiambu Counties among women candidates vying for various elective positions in the coming elections.

Former Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru is one of the candidates using the tag to obtain votes.

She acquired the name from her supporters after being declared the Jubilee party’s nominee for the Kirinyaga Governor seat. She has become a real crowd puller, in fact, she moves around with ‘Minji’ in a polythene bag.

The President last month in his visit to Kirinyaga referred to Ms Waiguru in his re- election campaign as "Minji Minji" to the amusement of many.

President Uhuru Kenyatta wowed many with this utterance when he introduced Waiguru as ‘Minji.’

Mr Muriithi Kang’ara, who is Waiguru’s Chief Campaigner, explained that she was accorded the name because she is a “young and highly educated woman.”

Although her opponents disagree with this and feel the tag will work against her, the former CS feels the name ‘Minji Minji’ well describes her and will work to her advantage.

Jubilee's candidate for the Kiambu Woman Rep seat, Gathoni wa Muchomba, has also been using the same tag to entice the crowd.