Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru during the launch of the Sh200 million Mwea Integrated Water Supply Rehabilitation and Expansion Project at Kandongu, Kirinyaga county, on May 11, 2026./HANDOUT
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has apologised to the Mt Kenya region over the removal of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, saying it was a mistake.
Speaking on Monday, Waiguru acknowledged the political and emotional toll that Gachagua’s impeachment has had on the region and its relationship with the Ruto administration.
“I understand your pain… I am truly sorry,” Waiguru said during the launch of the Sh200 million Mwea integrated water supply rehabilitation and expansion project in Kandongu, Kirinyaga county.
Governor Waiguru said she acknowledges and understands why Kirinyaga residents, whom she was addressing, feel they are not part of the government, noting they were hurt by what transpired.
She, however, distanced herself from the process, insisting the proceedings happened in Parliament while she was at the grassroots.
“But that pain or anger should not make us separate ourselves from other communities and end up in problems 20 years from now. Because there is what I know can be gotten from the government.
“You can be jumping up and down saying what you are saying, but removing a government from power is not easy. They tried with(President Mwai) Kibaki and failed, and he was even sworn in at night,” she said.
Her remarks reflect an acknowledgment of the growing unease among UDA leaders in Mt Kenya, where the political ground has shifted significantly since Gachagua’s impeachment.
Once a solid pillar of the Kenya Kwanza coalition, the region has shifted its allegiance, with resentment toward the government hardening into a broader political protest sustained by Gachagua.
Still, Waiguru urged the region to rally behind the government to benefit from development.
“Do you accept to support this government? It is not a love affair. It is about interests. Let’s pay our debt and finish,” she said.
Her speech came after charged remarks by MCAs and county assembly leaders, who were openly divided at the meeting, with some declaring their support for Gachagua.
Her remarks also come just about a month after she declared that she does not have "any problem with Gachagua".
Speaking in Kirinyaga in April, Waiguru said “even if things went the way they did”—alluding to the impeachment—she was among the first DP aspirants to drop her ambitions in his favour in 2022.
“I don’t want people to assume I have a problem with someone because I speak about them. I don’t have any personal problems with Rigathi Gachagua.”
Waiguru’s apology, though framed as an act of collective leadership responsibility, is widely seen as an admission of the political damage caused by Gachagua’s removal to UDA’s popularity in the region.
She has also toned down her attacks on the Democracy for Citizens Party leader, who had previously lashed out at her, accusing the Kirinyaga governor of betrayal.
By distancing herself from the decision—while still taking responsibility for its consequences—she highlighted the difficult balancing act facing UDA-aligned leaders seeking to retain relevance in a region that feels betrayed.
The move also comes at a time when DCP is sustaining pressure on UDA, consolidating support across the region.
His messaging has resonated, particularly among grassroots supporters who feel sidelined by the current administration.
Waiguru appeared to acknowledge this shifting tide, noting that defending the government has become increasingly difficult.
Her remarks also come against the backdrop of recent realignments in the region, with her Murang’a and Kiambu counterparts declaring they will not defend their seats on the UDA ticket.
At the same time, Waiguru’s 2022 rival, Purity Ngirici, has also decamped from the government side, further signalling a broader political realignment in Mt Kenya.
