KIRINYAGA, Kenya — Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has stirred fresh political debate in the Mt Kenya region after suggesting a possible future reconciliation between President William Ruto and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, even as she openly declared her ambition for the country’s second-highest office.
Speaking to residents in Ngariama, Gichugu Constituency, on March 31, Waiguru urged voters to adopt a pragmatic approach to politics, arguing that alliances are shaped by interests rather than personal differences.
“Politics is about interests, not a love affair,” she said.
The governor suggested that despite the current fallout between Ruto and Gachagua, a future truce cannot be ruled out, drawing parallels with past political reconciliations involving Raila Odinga and Uhuru Kenyatta.
“Anything can happen. We saw Raila Odinga have a handshake with Uhuru Kenyatta and later with Ruto. So why can’t Gachagua also have a handshake with Ruto in future?” she posed.
Her remarks come amid shifting alliances in Mt Kenya, where Gachagua has emerged as a vocal critic of the Kenya Kwanza administration following his fallout with the President.
Waiguru cautioned the region against what she termed “emotional politics,” warning that isolation from national coalitions could undermine development prospects.
“Our votes alone cannot make Ruto president… We need other communities just as they need us,” she said, urging residents to align with broader political formations to safeguard regional interests.
In a pointed critique, she questioned Gachagua’s recent remarks urging residents to prioritise local leaders over the President during public events, suggesting such messaging could signal underlying political manoeuvres.
“Why would he say that? That itself is a clear sign that a handshake can happen in future,” she added.
The governor also used the platform to formally signal her ambition for the deputy presidency, positioning herself as a key player in future political negotiations.
“I will remain in government, and at the bargaining table I am there, holding it for the people of Kirinyaga and Mt Kenya,” she said.
Addressing local residents, she framed her ambition in personal terms: “Wouldn’t you be happy if your daughter gets a higher position?”
Waiguru has previously indicated that Kirinyaga County should produce the next deputy president, a statement that underscores growing competition for influence within the region.
She further predicted cracks within the opposition, claiming the current unity could fracture into multiple factions ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“I know what is happening… I have access to places an ordinary mwananchi cannot reach,” she said.
