Waiguru hosts thousands of UDA grassroots leaders, asserts her position as county leader

Governor Anne Waiguru addressing UDA grassroots leaders at her residence on January 23, 2026/ ALICE WAITHERA

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru on Friday hosted thousands of UDA grassroots leaders at her official residence in Kutus following the party’s recently concluded grassroots elections, in which candidates aligned to her camp won in most wards across the county.

The governor said the strong turnout and results in Kirinyaga stood out at a time when other counties reported low participation and disputes over the credibility of the UDA polls held earlier this month.

“I promised you that if we won, I would slaughter a bull. Today, we have slaughtered not just one but several bulls,” Waiguru told the jubilant leaders.

She said the outcome of the elections affirmed her leadership within the ruling party at the county level, adding that political authority is earned through the ballot.

Waiguru further highlighted Kirinyaga’s political significance in the Mt. Kenya region, noting that the county often plays a decisive role in shaping the wider regional political direction.

“Those who understand regional politics well know that when Kirinyaga turns, the entire region turns with it,” she said, adding that her allies had secured more than 80 per cent of the votes cast.

The celebrations come amid a leadership disagreement within the UDA party in Kirinyaga County, involving Governor Waiguru and Ndia MP George Kariuki, as well as other local legislators.

The dispute relates to the management of the party’s grassroots structures and political coordination in the county, a key factor ahead of the 2027 general election when nominations and party mobilisation are expected to play a decisive role.

UDA members during a meeting at Governor Anne Waiguru's residence at Kutus, Kirinyaga, on January 23, 2026/ ALICE WAITHERA

Tensions increased late last year when MP Kariuki, together with other UDA-aligned legislators, launched a parallel party office in Kutus, a move that Waiguru’s camp viewed as a challenge to her authority as the county’s senior elected leader.

MP Kariuki and his allies have said they seek greater involvement of elected leaders in key party decisions. Waiguru has maintained that, as governor, she is the natural political leader of UDA in Kirinyaga and should oversee party coordination, asserting that some actions by legislators risk creating division.

The rift also featured during the UDA grassroots elections, with both camps supporting rival candidates for party positions at the village, ward, and constituency levels.

Addressing the leaders, Waiguru rejected rival leadership claims and described herself as the county’s UDA leader.

“There are no doubts as to whom leads the party here. Others may call press conferences and say that they are, but even if you ask people from other counties, they will tell you that I am the leader,” she said.

She announced that the next phase of ward-level party elections will be held on March 4, saying aspirants would need to demonstrate strong grassroots leadership and a clear understanding of government projects and development initiatives in their areas.

The governor urged residents to remain aligned with the ruling party, noting that supporting the opposition could affect development in the region.

UDA grassroots leaders from Kirinyaga county during a meeting at Governor Anne Waiguru's residence in Kutus on January 23, 2023/ ALICE WAITHERA

“As Mt. Kenya residents, we need to be careful where we are being taken. Where they are telling us to go, they have already designated all the positions and given them to other areas,” she said.

Waiguru reiterated her support for President William Ruto, describing him as the only viable UDA presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

She said the county’s ongoing development projects, including the construction of modern markets and road infrastructure, reflected the political support Kirinyaga has given the ruling party.