Statement By Kenya's Youngest MP Candidate After Conceding Defeat

22-year-old environmentalist Anita Soina has announced that she has conceded defeat in her hopes of clinching the Kajiado North parliamentary seat. 

She congratulated her opponent, Onesmus Nguro Ngongoyo, who is vying for the seat on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket.

Read her full statement below shared via her Facebook page:

I take this opportunity to thank the residents of the Kajiado North constituency who welcomed me to their homes and spaces this political season. The journey has been full of challenges, and obstacles but most importantly opportunities to learn, interact and share ideas and possible solutions to our challenges. 

Anita Soina with UDA’s Onesmus Nguro Ngogoyo. /TIM REPUBLIC PHOTOGRAPHY

I also want to thank my Party, Green Thinking Action Party (GTAP) led by my party leader Dr Isaac Kalua Green who believes in me and for the immense support they gave me and my team during the campaign period. To every individual who put financial, emotional and physical aid; you have a special place in my heart for being part of my journey and growth as the 2022 youngest MP Candidate.

A big thank you to the Independence Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) led by RO Sir Musembi for ensuring we had a peaceful campaign period.

To every individual led by my own mum (Mum Chepkorir Sossion) and all of you who see hope in me and who see the best in me, you are the best and I will continue making you proud by serving the community in various capacities. 

Thank you to the team of climate activists, environmentalists, scientists, and organizations that were always calling to check on me.

Lastly, I take this chance to congratulate my opponent and good friend Hon Onesmus Nguro Ngogoyo of UDA for being the MP-elect of our great constituency, Kajiado North. I urge the citizens of Kajiado North to support him and give him all the respect he deserves as he begins a new journey as our MP-elect. 

In a competition amongst 16 candidates only one was meant to be the winner and so I Anita Soina, The Green MP concede defeat and promise to support the Kajiado county government and Kenya’s government where needed as we strive to make Kajiado and Kenya a better place for every citizen. 

To my team (Mc Togzik Sebastian Nyabwanga, Robbin Indire, Isaiah Kilerai, David, Mercy Mumbi, Abby Chebet, Mutuku, Mc Ninja, and DJ Vert for being my 001 support system, leaving all you do, moving in with me on this tough times & apologies because through me you found yourself in the most challenging space of politics without NOTICE. We will continue to grow together.

I AM SO PROUD OF MYSELF.

LET US CONTINUE PAINTING THE WORLD GREEN TOGETHER

Anita, also known as 'The Green MP', announced her plans to vie for the seat in December 2021, saying she understands the challenges of her people. 

"It's here. People over profits. Every day it hurts me to see what the people go through. Born to a Maasai dad from Kajiado North, as I trace back to my roots to understand my culture and as a young leader who understands some of the challenges facing the people.

"I have decided to do this. To me, the first step towards solving a problem is getting to that position of a problem solver. Twende Bunge tupiganie haki za wapiga kura!” she stated.

Before her stint in politics, she was the founder of Soina Foundation and Spice Warriors.

Anita Soina posing for a photo. /FACEBOOK