Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has sought to distance herself from the political rivalry surrounding former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, insisting she has no personal grudge against him despite their differences.
Waiguru said she stood with Gachagua during the 2022 contest for President William Ruto’s running mate and questioned why he would turn against her despite her support for his rise to the deputy presidency.
“I don’t detest your person [Rigathi], by the way. Have you ever heard me mentioning him?”
The governor spoke on Friday in Kieni Constituency, Nyeri county, where she revisited the intrigues that surrounded Ruto’s choice of a running mate ahead of the 2022 General Election.
Waiguru was among prominent Mt Kenya leaders considered for the position, alongside Gachagua, current Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro.
Waiguru has already declared her interest in becoming Ruto’s running mate in 2027, with an ambition to seek the presidency in 2032.
She said the intense competition between Gachagua and Kindiki eventually persuaded her to withdraw from the race.
“For him to be selected as Deputy President; we were three: Kindiki, Waiguru and Rigathi. I dropped out because the war between the two men was so intense. Ask him whether I did not stand with him. Ask him whether I did not stand with him to be the Deputy President.”
Waiguru then turned her attention to what she described as Gachagua’s hostility towards her, reminding him of the support she gave him during his political battle for the running mate position.
“When he comes, ask why he fights me, yet I stood with him to get that position. We were not many.”
“When he was being impeached, was I there? Did county governments get involved? Did I support the decision? Then? What’s the reason for I getting insulted? Am I the one in courts?” posed Waiguru.
Despite the political turbulence within Mt Kenya, Waiguru said she would maintain her alliance with Ruto, arguing that the community could not afford to remain outside the national government.
“I only want you to grant me one wish; I support President William Ruto because I know he is not going anywhere and I don’t want the Kikuyu community to be outside the government.”
Waiguru said she was concerned about the political direction being taken by the region and would continue advocating for what she considers the interests of the Kikuyu community.
“The direction we are being taken is not good. I have decided to maintain my political position to champion the needs of the Kikuyu community.”
Her position places her on a different political trajectory from Gachagua as Mt Kenya leaders increasingly position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
