Waiguru warns Mt Kenya against abandoning Ruto, cites risk of 30 years out of gov't

• “What is wiser: to remain outside government for more than 30 years or to support a government in which we are already represented? Do not cut your nose to spite your face. You may think you are punishing Ruto, but you are punishing yourself,” she said.

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru speaking during a community empowerment forum in Laikipia East.

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has warned the Mt Kenya region against abandoning President William Ruto’s re-election bid, arguing that the move could cost the community political influence and access to national development opportunities.

Waiguru reiterated her warning that the region could spend up to 30 years outside government if it turns against an administration it helped bring to power, urging residents to reconsider calls for Ruto to serve only one term.

Speaking during a community empowerment forum in Laikipia East, the governor expressed confidence that Ruto would win a second term in the 2027 General Election, citing what she described as his growing support across the country and divisions within the opposition.

She argued that the opposition lacked a unified presidential candidate and a common political direction, making it difficult to mount a credible challenge against the President.

Waiguru cautioned that the Mt Kenya region risked isolating itself politically by aligning with an opposition that had yet to resolve its internal differences, while other regions continued consolidating their support for Ruto.

“I have done my calculations, and I can tell you without fear or favour that William Ruto is going to be re-elected President for a second term. We are being misled as a community that we have eight million votes and can determine everything on our own. The President has traversed the country, and his support has grown across the counties,” she said.

The governor claimed Ruto enjoyed support in at least 33 counties, arguing that the region should consider the broader national political landscape rather than rely solely on its numerical strength.

She acknowledged that some residents might be dissatisfied with aspects of the administration’s performance but warned against withdrawing support altogether.

“Ruto has done one term, and there may be issues that have discouraged people, but we cannot throw the baby out with the bathwater. Removing a President is not easy. We have the experiences of 2017 and 2022 to reflect on. Our one-term song will not get us to State House,” she said.

Waiguru challenged the community to weigh the potential consequences of abandoning the government against the benefits of remaining politically represented at the national level.

“What is wiser: to remain outside government for more than 30 years or to support a government in which we are already represented? Do not cut your nose to spite your face. You may think you are punishing Ruto, but you are punishing yourself,” she said.

She argued that participation in government provided communities with an opportunity to engage decision-makers, advance their interests and influence development priorities.

Waiguru said her position was informed by her experience in public service, having served in government during the administrations of former Presidents Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta before becoming Kirinyaga governor.

“I have not only been a leader for 10 years. Even before that, I had a track record of service in the private sector and in the political space. I served during Kibaki’s time at the Treasury and later during Uhuru’s time in Cabinet. I have had exposure to public affairs, and I know what I am talking about,” she said.

She also cited Ruto’s political support for Kenyatta during the 2013 and 2017 elections, arguing that the Mt Kenya region should consider the history of their political partnership when deciding whether to support the current President.

According to Waiguru, the arrangement between the two leaders was based on an understanding that Kenyatta would serve two terms before Ruto took over.

“William Ruto had an opportunity to vie for the presidency in 2013, but he stood with Uhuru when many people were against him. In 2017, he still stood with Uhuru, even when their working relationship was not always comfortable. There was an understanding that Uhuru would serve for 10 years and Ruto would later have his 10 years. We should remember these things,” she said.

The governor also cautioned against allowing political disagreements to deepen ethnic divisions, saying the economic and social interests of the Mt Kenya community extended beyond the region.

“I am a Kikuyu, but most importantly, I am a Kenyan. Our businesses operate across the country, our children do business across communities, and they marry across communities. If we allow tribalism to divide us, will our children be free to travel and do business throughout Kenya?” she posed.

She urged political leaders to promote national cohesion instead of mobilising communities against one another for electoral gain.

Waiguru further defended Ruto’s development record, particularly on security, citing improvements in Laikipia, which she said had experienced insecurity for years before the current administration’s interventions.

“Laikipia had security problems for a long time, but today the county is calm because of the work William Ruto has done to improve security. If I lie, correct me, but if I tell you the truth, you should equally agree,” she said.

She maintained that leaders should be judged on their performance, arguing that citizens should acknowledge achievements even when they have concerns about particular government policies or decisions.

“When we elect leaders, we elect them to work for us. It is not easy to govern, but when someone performs, we should acknowledge it. In Kirinyaga, we say that work should speak for itself,” she said.

Waiguru urged the Mt Kenya electorate to continue supporting Ruto, saying the decision would protect the region’s interests and benefit future generations.

“Let us stand with the President for our own interests and for the future generations. I have come here to tell you the truth, and I will continue telling my community the truth wherever I go,” she said.

The governor also signalled her interest in national leadership after her tenure in Kirinyaga, saying she had completed her development agenda and was ready to hand over to another leader to continue the work.

She expressed readiness to serve at the highest levels of government, including as Deputy President, a declaration that drew applause from the audience.

Waiguru praised the community empowerment programme led by Laikipia Woman Representative Jane Kagiri, saying such initiatives provided residents with opportunities to improve their livelihoods and participate in economic development.

Kagiri cited improvements in Kirinyaga’s road network and street lighting as examples of what counties could achieve through cooperation with the national government.

She urged Laikipia residents to maintain engagement with the government, arguing that continued cooperation would help complete ongoing development projects and ensure the county benefited from national programmes.

The forum was also attended by Laikipia West MP Stephen Karani and Kiambu County Woman Representative Anne Muratha, who also campaigned for Ruto’s re-election.