Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has intensified her political backing for President William Ruto, rallying the Mt Kenya region to remain firmly aligned with the Kenya Kwanza administration ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking at the Kirinyaga County headquarters in Kutus, Waiguru defended her support for the government, saying the region stands to benefit more by remaining within the ruling coalition rather than shifting political alliances.
The governor urged residents to ignore what she described as “misleading political voices” attempting to influence public opinion against the administration.
Waiguru argued that Kirinyaga County has experienced notable development under Ruto administration, maintaining that the county has outperformed neighbouring regions due to its close working relationship with the national government.
“You cannot compare Kirinyaga with other neighbouring counties. We are far ahead because we made the right political decision to be in government,” she said.
The governor cited ongoing cooperation between county and national leadership as critical in accelerating infrastructure development, economic empowerment programmes and service delivery.
Opposition leaders come under attack
Waiguru also launched a sharp attack on opposition figures, accusing them of lacking a clear political agenda and credible leadership capable of offering an alternative national vision.
She questioned the opposition readiness to mount a serious challenge in the 2027 General Election, describing some leaders as politically inconsistent and opportunistic.
According to Waiguru, several opposition politicians who publicly criticize the government had previously sought political accommodation behind the scenes.
“Those shouting the loudest today are the same people who were desperately knocking on the doors of government,” she claimed.
Her comments reflect the increasingly confrontational political atmosphere that has characterized Kenya post 2022 election landscape, with both government and opposition leaders intensifying campaigns for regional influence.
Waiguru also directed criticism at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of shifting political positions and contradicting alliances he previously defended.
She suggested that his current political direction differs significantly from his earlier association with leaders who once opposed former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Although she did not directly reference ongoing political realignments in the region, her remarks underscored growing tensions among Mt Kenya leaders competing for influence ahead of 2027.
Waiguru framed the upcoming election as a defining moment for the region, urging residents to support Ruto as a way of honouring political commitments made during previous administrations.
“2027 is the time for Mt Kenya to honour its promise. We must repay that political debt,” she said.
She concluded by emphasizing that political unity and consistency would remain essential in safeguarding Mt Kenya bargaining power within national politics.
