Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja has revealed that as a first-time elected leader, she experienced culture shock when she went to the Senate.
Speaking on Wednesday on Citizen TV’s JKLive Show, Karanja said that the Senate was a new dimension for her considering that she is from the business world.
“It was a culture shock because it's like going to a new country sitting there but with time you get used to it and join the business of the house,” she said.
Karanja is the founder and CEO of Keroche Breweries Limited.
The Senator further revealed that she was also surprised by the support and availability of resources that the government has provided for both the National Assembly and Senators.
She said elected leaders can deliver if they want.
“When I got in I was surprised to see what the MPs and senators are given. If they want to deliver, they can deliver that I can tell you for free. The government has provided them with everything,” Karanja said.
Explaining why she entered politics and vied for a senatorial position, the business guru said it was the will of the people that pushed her.
“It was people’s request, they requested that I become their leader. At first, I had refused but later I realized if people have seen something in you, they need you to lead them, I agreed to take it up,” she said.
In the August 2022 polls, Karanja won after trouncing her nine competitors in the crowded race.
Vying on a United Democratic Alliance party ticket, Karanja got 442,864 votes against Lawrence Karanja of the Jubilee Party who had 163,685.
Other candidates were John Mututho of ODM 36,472 votes, Daniel Kimani Gitau (Ford Kenya) 5,975, Independent candidates Boniface Gacinga 7,223, Dorothy Macharia 10,745 votes and Koigi Wamwere 6,335 votes.
Karanja won the seat in her first attempt after joining politics last year.
She will take over from Susan Kihika who successfully vied for the governor's seat.
