Ann Wanjiku Muratha, popularly known as Wamuratha, was once a beloved public figure in Kenya. Before venturing into politics, she enjoyed widespread admiration due to her charisma, humor, and ability to connect with people. Her journey from a counselor and media personality to a controversial politician is a tale of how public perception can change drastically once one joins the political arena.
The Rise of Wamuratha
Wamuratha’s rise to fame began when a video of her speaking humorously at an event went viral on social media. This exposure led to a job offer from Inooro FM, where she hosted a popular Saturday morning show that attracted a huge following. Her ability to engage audiences with wit and charm made her a household name.
Beyond radio, she was a dominant force at events, whether as a master of ceremonies or as a cake matron. She particularly gained popularity for her advocacy for the boy child, branding herself as “Mama Boys.” She had a unique talent—she could defend men in the presence of women, and instead of facing resistance, she won the crowd over with laughter and applause. Her popularity soared, making her a formidable public figure.
With this strong public backing, her transition into politics seemed inevitable. When she decided to vie for the Kiambu Woman Representative seat in the 2022 general elections, she easily secured the UDA party nomination. Her strong personality and connection with the public made her campaign an easy success. On election day, she won by a significant margin, garnering over 405,000 votes against her closest competitor, who received just over 215,000 votes.
The Shift in Public Perception
However, Wamuratha’s public standing began to shift during the final phase of her campaign. Old videos resurfaced, including one from an event at Thika Stadium where her handling of a situation as a cake matron sparked public outrage. Although she apologized and her apology seemed to be accepted, the controversy marked the beginning of a challenging political journey.
Shortly after assuming office, Wamuratha attended a TV interview where she was asked about her plans for Kiambu County. She responded that she had realized many people in the county were struggling with mental health issues and depression. Some interpreted her statement as an insult, taking it to mean she was calling Kiambu residents “mad.” This incident signaled that her once humorous and endearing words would now be scrutinized more critically.
Her woes deepened when she joined a press conference organized by Mt. Kenya women leaders, calling for firm action against the resurgence of the outlawed Mungiki sect. Even though she did not speak during the presser, she became one of the main politicians blamed for the move. Many people, especially Mt. Kenya youth, viewed the leaders’ message as a call for state repression, leading to severe backlash. To this day, she continues to receive negative comments on social media regarding this incident.
Political Decisions and Further Criticism
Wamuratha’s support for the controversial Finance Bill and her vote in favor of the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua further alienated her from her Mt. Kenya support base. These votes were seen as acts of betrayal, turning former supporters into vocal critics. Her social media interactions, once filled with praise, became hostile, leading her to limit comments on her posts to avoid online abuse.
More recently, she faced online attacks after criticizing Nyandarua Senator John Methu for allegedly lying about the death of his father. This incident reignited past grievances, with people reminding her of her previous political missteps.
Was It Worth It?
Looking at her journey, one cannot help but wonder if entering politics was the right decision for Wamuratha. She once enjoyed immense public support, peace of mind, and a thriving career in media and events. Today, she wakes up to fear and criticism from the same public that once adored her. The pressure and backlash raise questions about whether her political career will endure or if she will fade into obscurity.
As to what the future holds for Wamuratha, only time will tell.
