Waiguru Tells Gachagua to Stop Using Agents, Engage Ruto Directly скачать в хорошем качестве

Waiguru Tells Gachagua to Stop Using Agents, Engage Ruto Directly

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has defended her past support for former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua while accusing him of turning against leaders who once stood by him, signalling rising political tensions in the Mt Kenya region. Speaking during an empowerment programme in Kariti Ward, Waiguru said she was among leaders who worked behind the scenes to stabilise the political situation during Gachagua's tenure, expressing disappointment that he has since branded her a traitor. "I was part of the team that defended him and worked to ensure there was peace at the time he was in office," she said. "I do not know what changed later, but the meetings we held then were successful and meant to build unity." The governor went further, alleging that Gachagua has been sending intermediaries to President William Ruto for late-night negotiations, and challenged him to engage the president openly instead. "If he has issues with the president, he should come to the table directly and talk. Sending agents at night will not solve the problem," Waiguru said. She also accused the former deputy president of attempting to consolidate political control over Mt Kenya to use it as a bargaining chip in national politics — something she strongly opposed. "Mt Kenya cannot belong to one person who then negotiates with it as if it were private property," she said. Despite the acrimony, Waiguru predicted that the two rivals could yet reconcile, noting that Kenyan political history is littered with such reversals. "In Kenyan politics, today's rivals can become tomorrow's partners. The history of this country shows that clearly," she said. Waiguru also used the occasion to advance her own national ambitions, declaring that Kirinyaga is positioned to produce the country's next deputy president. She noted that neighbouring counties — Kiambu and Nyeri — have previously produced presidents and deputy presidents, arguing it is now Kirinyaga's turn. "We believe Kirinyaga should also have an opportunity to produce the deputy president," she said, adding that she intends to negotiate for the position with President Ruto ahead of the 2027 general elections, expressing confidence in his continued national support. Her remarks represent a significant shift from earlier indications that she was eyeing the Kirinyaga Senate seat, and place her squarely in the race for the deputy presidency — a slot that current Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, also from Mt Kenya, is expected to contest.