Anne Waiguru Announces Bid for Deputy President Position

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has officially announced her bid for the Deputy President position, currently held by Kithure Kindiki, in the 2027 general elections. This will be her third attempt at securing the position, having failed in her previous two bids. Waiguru expressed her readiness to be a running mate to President William Ruto, citing her experience and qualifications for the role.

Waiguru made the announcement during a meeting with grassroots leaders from the Ndia constituency in Gacharu, on Friday evening. She emphasized that the Mt. Kenya region deserves adequate representation in national leadership and that gender balance should be considered in top government positions. Waiguru highlighted her achievements as a two-term governor and chairperson of the Council of Governors, which she believes make her a suitable candidate for the Deputy President position.

The governor urged her supporters to begin campaigns to persuade President Ruto to consider her as his running mate. Waiguru stated that her record of achievements speaks for itself and that she has been tested and proven. She encouraged the Mt. Kenya region not to support the opposition in the 2027 elections due to the rift between President Ruto and his former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Waiguru warned that distancing themselves from the government could lead to the Mt. Kenya region losing its position in national leadership for years. She advised the region to prioritize its long-term political and economic interests rather than making decisions based on anger or animosity towards individual leaders. Waiguru also defended her decision to support President Ruto, citing the widespread presence of the Kikuyu community across the country.

The governor emphasized that President Ruto still enjoys significant support across the country and that the opposition faces a tough task in winning the presidency. Waiguru explained that a presidential candidate needs to secure over 50% of the total votes and at least 25% of votes in more than half of the counties. She expressed her support for President Ruto, stating that the Kikuyu community is dispersed throughout the country and cannot afford to isolate itself from other communities.

Waiguru's bid for the Deputy President position was endorsed by some leaders who attended the meeting. Kirinyaga Central MP Gachoki Gitari urged residents not to allow personal animosity between politicians to dictate the region's direction. Benson Ngahu, the majority leader in the Kirinyaga County Assembly, stated that an inclusive government provides an opportunity for the region to continue participating in national leadership.

Waiguru's decision to vie for the Deputy President position is driven by her belief that women should be given a chance in top leadership positions, bringing a different perspective and enhancing credibility. Her announcement has sparked reactions from various stakeholders, with some expressing support for her candidacy. The 2027 general elections are expected to be highly competitive, with various leaders jostling for top positions.

Key points

• Anne Waiguru, the Governor of Kirinyaga, has announced her bid for the Deputy President position in the 2027 general elections.
• Waiguru aims to challenge Kithure Kindiki, the current Deputy President, and has expressed her readiness to be a running mate to President William Ruto.
• The governor highlighted her experience and qualifications, including her tenure as a two-term governor and chairperson of the Council of Governors.