Waiguru signals intent to gun for deputy post

Governor Anne Waiguru during an empowerment drive at Kariti constituency, Ndia constituency, Kirinyaga county/ ALICE WAITHERA

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has signalled ambition for the deputy presidency, positioning herself as a potential contender for the powerful seat ahead of the 2027 general election.

The governor said she intends to negotiate for the position with President William Ruto as political realignments begin to take shape within the Mt Kenya region.

She was speaking during a women’s empowerment programme in Kariti ward, Kirinyaga county.

Waiguru claimed leaders from Kirinyaga believe she should get an opportunity to produce the country’sDP, noting that other counties in the Mt Kenya region have historically produced top national leaders.

The governor said counties such as Kiambu and Nyeri have previously produced presidents and DPs, and it is now time for Kirinyaga.

Her declaration is widely seen as placing her in potential competition with current DP Kithure Kindiki should political negotiations ahead of the 2027 election lead to changes within the ruling coalition.

The governor also used the platform to respond to criticism from former DP Rigathi Gachagua, who has recently accused Mt Kenya leaders supporting President Ruto of betraying the region.

Waiguru dismissed the accusations, saying every Kenyan enjoys freedom of association and no leader has the authority to dictate which political camp others should belong to.

She stated it was unfair for Gachagua to brand her a traitor despite the support she had previously offered him during the political contest for the deputy presidency in 2022.

Waiguru said she had initially expressed interest in the deputy position during the process of selecting Ruto’s running mate but later withdrew her ambition in favour of Gachagua.

“As governor of Kirinyaga, I stood with Rigathi. He knows very well I withdrew my ambition and supported him for the position of deputy president.”

The governor said she was among leaders who worked behind the scenes to stabilise the political environment when Gachagua faced intense political pressure while serving as the second in command.

Kirinyaga residents during an empowerment drive in Kariti, Ndia constituency, on March 12, 2026/ ALICE WAITHERA

She claimed that a group of leaders held several meetings aimed at promoting unity and calming tensions within government ranks at the time.

“I was part of the team that defended him and worked to ensure there was peace when he was in office. The meetings we held were meant to build unity,” Waiguru claimed.

She added that she personally spoke to Ruto and several MPs in an effort to save Democracy for Citizens Party leader during the political turmoil that surrounded attempts to remove him from office.

“I attended meetings that tried to save him from impeachment. If he wants to deny it, he should come out boldly and say it,” she stated.

She further alleged that the former DP has been sending intermediaries to hold late-night discussions with President Ruto and challenged him to engage the head of state directly if he wants dialogue.

“If he wants something from the President, he should come to the table directly and talk. Sending agents at night will not solve anything,” she said.

Waiguru also accused Gachagua of attempting to consolidate political control over the Mt Kenya region and use it as a bargaining tool in national politics.

She said the region cannot be treated as the personal political property of one individual.

“Mt Kenya cannot belong to one person who then negotiates with it as if it were private property.”

At the same time, the governor urged residents to continue supporting the ruling United Democratic Alliance party, noting that the region overwhelmingly backed President Ruto in the last election.

“In Kirinyaga, we voted for this government almost to the last man, therefore it is our government and we cannot abandon it,” she said.

During the event held at Kamoro shopping centre, several local leaders expressed support for Waiguru’s potential elevation to a national leadership role.

Among them was Kirinyaga Central MP Gachoki Gitariwho said the governor had demonstrated strong leadership and deserved consideration for a higher office once her gubernatorial term ends.

“We should support Governor Waiguru so that she can be considered for the position of Deputy President,” Gitari said.

Waiguru also reiterated her opposition to tribal politics, arguing that leadership positions should be determined by competence and the ability to unite the country rather than ethnic considerations.

With several Mt Kenya leaders quietly eyeing influential national positions ahead of the 2027 election, the region is expected to become a key battleground in the contest to shape the country’s future leadership.