Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has stirred fresh political debate after suggesting a possible reconciliation between President William Ruto and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking to residents in Ngariama, Gichugu Constituency on 31 March, Waiguru framed her remarks around political pragmatism, urging leaders and voters in the Mt Kenya region to prioritise strategic interests over personal differences.
“Politics is about interests, not a love affair,” she said.
Waiguru’s comments come at a time of shifting political alignments in the Mt Kenya region, where Gachagua has increasingly positioned himself outside the Kenya Kwanza administration following a public fallout with Ruto.
The governor noted that political rivalries in Kenya have historically proven fluid, citing past reconciliations between key leaders. She referenced the 2018 handshake between Raila Odinga and former President Uhuru Kenyatta, as well as subsequent political realignments involving Ruto.
“Anything can happen. We saw Raila Odinga have a handshake with Uhuru Kenyatta and later with Ruto,” she said. “So why can’t Gachagua also have a handshake with Ruto in future?”
Shifting alliances and 2027 outlook
Waiguru urged Mt Kenya residents to avoid what she described as emotional political decisions, warning that political isolation could undermine the region’s development prospects.
“Our votes alone cannot make Ruto president. We need other communities just as they need us,” she said.
She emphasised the importance of aligning with broader national coalitions, arguing that such positioning would ensure the region retains influence within government and access to development resources.
The governor also appeared to take issue with remarks attributed to Gachagua encouraging residents to prioritise local leaders over the President during public engagements. She suggested such statements could signal ongoing political manoeuvring behind the scenes.
“Why would he say that? That itself is a clear sign that a handshake can happen in future,” she added.
Waiguru maintained that her focus remains on securing the region’s interests within government structures, positioning herself as a key player in future 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.
She also predicted possible fractures within the opposition, arguing that the current alliances may not hold as the 2027 election approaches.
“I know what is happening. I have access to places an ordinary mwananchi cannot reach,” she said.
Waiguru’s remarks underscore the central role of Mt Kenya in Kenya electoral politics, with the region expected to significantly influence the outcome of the next presidential race.
As political alliances continue to evolve, speculation over possible reconciliations is likely to shape the national conversation in the months ahead.
