Waiguru Questions Gachagua’s Hostility Despite Backing His 2022 DP Bid

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has questioned former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s hostility towards her, insisting she supported his bid to become President William Ruto’s running mate in 2022 and has no personal grudge against him.

Waiguru spoke on Friday in Kieni Constituency, Nyeri County, where she revisited the political contest that preceded Ruto’s selection of a running mate ahead of the 2022 General Election.

“I don’t detest your person [Rigathi], by the way. Have you ever heard me mentioning him?” she posed.

The governor said she was among the Mt Kenya leaders considered for the position alongside Gachagua, current Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro.

According to Waiguru, the intense rivalry between Gachagua and Kindiki eventually convinced her to withdraw from the race.

“For him to be selected as Deputy President; we were three: Kindiki, Waiguru and Rigathi. I dropped out because the war between the two men was so intense. Ask him whether I did not stand with him. Ask him whether I did not stand with him to be the Deputy President,” she said.

Waiguru questions Gachagua’s attacks

Waiguru expressed disappointment over what she described as Gachagua’s continued attacks against her, arguing that her support during the 2022 contest should count for something.

“When he comes, ask why he fights me, yet I stood with him to get that position. We were not many,” she said.

She also challenged the former deputy president to explain why she had become a target of criticism despite not being involved in his legal battles.

“When he was being impeached, was I there? Did county governments get involved? Did I support the decision? Then? What’s the reason for I getting insulted? Am I the one in courts?” Waiguru posed.

Gachagua was impeached by Parliament in October 2024, with Kindiki subsequently appointed and sworn in as Deputy President.

Governor defends alliance with Ruto

Despite the political divisions within the Mt Kenya region, Waiguru reaffirmed her support for Ruto, arguing that the community should maintain a working relationship with the national government.

“I only want you to grant me one wish; I support President William Ruto because I know he is not going anywhere and I don’t want the Kikuyu community to be outside the government,” she said.

The governor maintained that she was concerned about the political direction being taken by the region and would continue advocating for what she considers the interests of the Kikuyu community.

“The direction we are being taken is not good. I have decided to maintain my political position to champion the needs of the Kikuyu community,” she added.

Waiguru eyes 2027 running-mate position

Waiguru has declared her interest in becoming Ruto’s running mate in the 2027 General Election, with ambitions of pursuing the presidency in 2032.

Her position puts her on a different political path from Gachagua, who has emerged as a leading opposition figure following his removal from office.