KIRINYAGA, Kenya – Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru is set to embark on a nationwide campaign to mobilize Kenyans, especially women, to support the Kenya Kwanza administration and President William Ruto’s bid for a second term.
The campaign comes as women leaders from across the country, under the Daughters of Kenya (DOK) banner, endorsed Waiguru for a future national leadership role.
Addressing about 2,000 women drawn from all regions of Kenya, Waiguru said she was ready to make personal sacrifices to crisscross the country and rally support for President Ruto and the government’s development agenda.
“I am ready to walk across this country to rally women and all Kenyans to support a government that delivers, because unity is the foundation of progress,” Waiguru said, urging the Mt. Kenya region to reject opposition politics and warning that the area could not afford to be out of government.
She argued that the opposition lacks a clear strategy and vision to lead the country beyond the 2027 elections.
The Kirinyaga County boss also announced plans to roll out a large-scale mentorship programme to prepare more women for leadership roles in politics, the private sector, religious institutions, and civil society.
“The time for women is now. If we don’t rise and claim our space in leadership, the gains we have fought for will be lost,” Waiguru added, emphasizing the need to protect and expand gains women have made in leadership.
Governor Waiguru highlighted the importance of gender balance in decision-making, noting that issues affecting women are best addressed when women are at the table.
Citing her development record in Kirinyaga County, she said her work demonstrates the capacity of women to deliver effective leadership and should inspire confidence nationally.
While responding to calls for her to run for president, Waiguru said she believes she will one day vie for the presidency but not in 2027.
For now, she said, her focus remains on supporting President Ruto to secure a second term.
At the event, the Daughters of the Mountain women caucus, bringing together women from Central, Rift Valley, Nairobi, Western, Nyanza, Eastern, North Eastern, and Coast regions, formally endorsed Waiguru for a national leadership role.
The group cited her development track record and previous service in national government as key strengths.
DOK National Chairperson Lydia Mathia described Waiguru as “a trailblazer who has overcome numerous challenges and is setting the pace for women leaders nationwide.
“We have seen what Governor Waiguru can do. Her mentorship and exemplary leadership are worth emulating.” Mathia said.
Other speakers praised her resilience, delivery record, and ability to unite women across political and regional divides.
The women called for a united national women’s voting and leadership bloc, urging women to move beyond mobilisation roles and take up decision-making positions to better address challenges such as gender-based violence, teenage pregnancies, and school dropouts.
