“Don’t Cut Your Nose To Spite Your Face”: Waiguru Warns Mt. Kenya Against Abandoning Ruto

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has issued a stern political warning to the Mt. Kenya region, cautioning residents against ditching President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid. She warned that turning away from the current administration could lock the region out of government for up to 30 years and severely weaken its national political influence.

Speaking during a community empowerment event in Laikipia East, Waiguru urged the electorate to reconsider calls for Ruto to serve as a one-term president, insisting that the President’s national support remains formidable.

“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,” Waiguru stated.

“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.”

“30 Years Outside Government”

Addressing local grievances, Waiguru acknowledged that some residents may feel dissatisfied with certain policies or economic pressures, but argued that walking away from the government would be a self-inflicted wound.

“What is wiser: to remain outside government for more than 30 years or to support a government in which we are already represented?” she posed.

“Do not cut your nose to spite your face. You may think you are punishing Ruto, but you are punishing yourself.”

She emphasized that while there may be issues troubling voters, “we cannot throw the baby out with the bathwater,” adding that taking down a sitting president is a complex task and that the opposition currently lacks a unified direction or consensus candidate.

Remembering Past Political Pacts

Drawing on her lengthy public service record—having served under the Treasury during former President Mwai Kibaki’s era and later as a Cabinet Secretary under former President Uhuru Kenyatta—Waiguru urged the region to respect historical political alliances.

She reminded voters of Ruto’s steadfast backing of Kenyatta during the 2013 and 2017 general elections despite political headwinds:

“William Ruto had an opportunity to vie for the presidency in 2013, but he stood with Uhuru when many people were against him… There was an understanding that Uhuru would serve for 10 years and Ruto would later have his 10 years. We should remember these things.”

National Cohesion and Security Record

Waiguru also cautioned against ethnically charged politics, pointing out that the business and social interests of the Mt. Kenya community stretch far beyond regional borders.

“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?”

Defending the administration’s performance, she highlighted key achievements such as restored peace and security in Laikipia County, urging citizens to acknowledge progress even amidst ongoing political debates.