Waiguru Defends Ruto Muranga Women

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has stepped up her bid for the Deputy President position in next year's general election.

She is rallying support from women's groups in Murang'a county while strongly defending President William Ruto’s administration.

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Speaking in Mathioya constituency during a women empowerment programme that brought together more than 2,000 members from 110 groups, Waiguru positioned herself as a political leader and a member of the local community by marriage.

She said her connection to the area made it necessary for her to support residents just as she does in Kirinyaga.

“This is my home. If I give sikukuu to people in Kirinyaga, I should also give something to Mathioya people. When I am here, I am no longer a governor. I am just a wife visiting my parents, and you can't visit your parents empty-handed,” Waiguru said.

During the event at Rurii Stadium, each women’s group received between Sh30,000 and Sh50,000 depending on size and activities, while thousands of residents also benefited from foodstuff donations ahead of Easter celebrations.

Waiguru said she consulted Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang'ata and President Ruto before organising the meeting, underscoring the significance of the engagement in her broader political strategy.

She emphasised the central role women play in leadership, noting that no leader can succeed without their backing.

The governor used the platform to reaffirm her unwavering support for the Kenya Kwanza administration, despite recent political tensions in the Mt Kenya region.

She argued the government has delivered substantial development and ensured the region remains firmly within the national decision-making structure.

The governor cited the appointment of nine CSs and more than 15 PSs from the region as evidence of its strong representation, adding that these positions were retained even after the political fallout that followed the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

“And we know, the impeachment happened and we felt very wronged but we can't always be angry. Personally, I have no issues with Gachagua. In fact, everybody knows that I withdrew interest for the DP seat in 2022 so either him or Kithure Kindiki could get it, and he got it,” she said.

Waiguru cautioned Mt Kenya residents against shifting political allegiance, warning that aligning with the opposition could marginalise the region.

“It’s not easy to remove a sitting President in power, and I fear this region could plunge itself into political cold if we are not careful,” she said.

The county chief maintained that Mt Kenya’s interests are best protected within the current administration, arguing that the region played a decisive role in the 2022 election and should continue to “own” the government.

“The people of this region formed this government and therefore we cannot leave it and start over again,” she said.

Defending Ruto’s development record, Waiguru said his administration has made notable progress across key sectors in less than five years.

In infrastructure, she pointed to the advancement of stalled projects and the rollout of new ones, including the 233-kilometre Rironi–Mau Summit Road.

She also highlighted the Mau Mau roads project, saying it has moved from just 10 per cent completion in 2022 to about 80 per cent today, describing it as a sign of accelerated development under the current regime.

In agriculture, Waiguru cited ongoing reforms in the coffee sector, noting that expanded marketing channels are already translating into improved earnings for farmers.

Waiguru further argued that Ruto deserves a second term, stating that his administration has fulfilled most of its promises while expanding development across social and economic sectors nationwide.

At the same time, local leaders used the forum to endorse her for the Deputy President position.

Mathioya MP Edwin Mugo said Waiguru’s development track record demonstrates her readiness for national leadership.

Nominated Senator Veronica Maina said the country is ready for a woman to occupy a top executive position, while Kirinyaga Central MP Gachoki Gitari and county assembly speaker Murimi Muteti urged Ruto to consider Waiguru as his running mate in 2027.