Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has dismissed claims of a personal grudge against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, saying she supported his bid to become President William Ruto’s running mate in 2022.

Speaking in Kieni Constituency, Nyeri County, on Friday, October 23, Waiguru questioned why Gachagua appeared hostile towards her despite the support she offered him during the contest for the deputy presidency.

“I don’t detest your person, by the way. Have you ever heard me mentioning him?” Waiguru said, insisting she had no personal hatred towards the former deputy president. [1]

Waiguru explained that she had initially been among the Mount Kenya leaders considered for the running mate position alongside Gachagua and current Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.

She said she eventually withdrew from the race because the competition between the two men had become too intense.

“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,” she said.

The governor challenged Gachagua to acknowledge the role she played in supporting his rise to the position, questioning why she continued to face criticism despite standing with him during the contest.

Waiguru also referred to Gachagua’s impeachment, asking why she was being targeted when she had not participated in the process against him.

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

Waiguru Backs Ruto Ahead of 2027 Elections

Despite the political differences emerging among Mount Kenya leaders, Waiguru said she would maintain her support for President Ruto.

She argued that the Kikuyu community should remain involved in the national government rather than risk being excluded from decision-making.

“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.

Waiguru added that she was concerned about the political direction being taken by the region and intended to continue advocating for what she considers the community’s interests.

Her position places her on a different political path from Gachagua as leaders in the Mount Kenya region begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Waiguru has also declared her interest in becoming Ruto’s running mate in 2027, while expressing ambitions of pursuing the presidency in 2032.

Her latest remarks highlight the growing political differences within the region, even as she insists that her disagreements with Gachagua should not be interpreted as personal hatred.