Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina has found herself at the center of an unexpected online buzz after an old song she recorded more than a decade ago resurfaced. The track, titled Mr. Left, was originally released 11 years ago during her days as a recording artist known by the stage name “Gacheri.”
The rediscovery of the song has reignited interest in Maina’s pre-political life, offering Kenyans a rare glimpse into the creative pursuits that once defined her. In Mr. Left, she explores themes of love, longing, and the search for connection. The lyrics playfully twist the common romantic cliché of finding “Mr. Right” into a quest for “Mr. Left” a metaphor for looking beyond conventional expectations in relationships.
Singing in a blend of English and Swahili, Maina captures the frustration and humor in seeking love: “Nimechoka kutafuta Mr Right,” she declares, reflecting a sense of fatigue from failed attempts at romance. Through dance-like instructions and metaphorical language, the song expresses a desire to find someone different a partner who stands apart from the crowd.
The resurfaced music video, featuring a younger Maina performing the soulful yet upbeat track, has quickly made the rounds on social media. For many Kenyans, it has been a surprising revelation, contrasting sharply with her current image as a legislator.
Online reactions have ranged from shock to amusement to admiration. Some users jokingly remarked on her career transformation, with one quipping, “You can’t trust anyone in this country,” and another noting, “From an artist to a legislator.” Others applauded her versatility, seeing her musical past as proof of a well-rounded personality.
In response to the buzz, Maina herself admitted she was taken aback by the internet’s detective work. “So, the internet found out that I used to be a recording artist,” she wrote in a recent post, adding that she is actually working on a new EP.
Whether viewed as a nostalgic throwback or a fun twist in her public narrative, Mr. Left has bridged the gap between Njeri Maina’s artistic roots and her political present proving that even in politics, there’s always room for a beat from the past.
