Kirinyaga Governor Anne Mumbi Waiguru has officially joined the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), a party she plans to use to defend her seat in the 2022 gubernatorial race.
Sources intimated to Kenyans.co.ke that Waiguru decamped to UDA after meeting with Deputy President William Ruto on Tuesday, October 26, 2021 morning.
Reports from people close to DP Ruto also indicated that Waiguru was joined by Members of the Kirinyaga County Assembly who previously supported the Kieleweke faction.
Waiguru made the move amid speculations from political pundits that the governor would have lost her seat if she attempted to defend it under the Jubilee Party.
During an interview on Spice FM on Monday, September 6, Waiguru hinted that she was considering making the shift but remained cagey on the matter.
She pointed out that the political tide may change depending on what Kenyans on the ground advocate for.
"I don't think it's the right time to have that conversation right now. I can't say I would, I can't say I would not. This is politics, but it's a bit early. Let's see what the ground looks like," she stated.
"I will be spending a lot of time on the ground, which will decide what direction I'll take. The decision will also be influenced by the seat that I will go for."
Waiguru will face Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua and Kirinyaga County Woman Rep Purity Ngirici who have declared interest in the gubernatorial race.
Ngirici welcomed Waiguru to UDA and expressed confidence that she will win the UDA nomination.
The Woman Representative previously stated that she will ensure DP Ruto gets enough votes from the Mt Kenya region and ultimately win the presidency.
"I'm optimistic that I will defeat the current governor by far, watch this space,” Ngirici stated.
Interior Principal Secretary, Karanja Kibicho and Ngirici met and agreed to bury the hatchet, much to the chagrin of Waiguru.
Kenyans.co.ke learnt that the Woman Rep and PS Kibicho resolved to bury the hatchet and work together as Kirinyaga prepares to host Mashujaa Day.
According to Ngirici's communications official Justin Kinyua, PS Kibicho revealed that he will not be vying for any elective position in 2022.
The revelation allayed initial fears that the PS was going to muddy the waters and further complicate the race by vying for the gubernatorial seat being sought by Ngirici and Governor Anne Waiguru. The PS also hinted at endorsing Ngirici candidacy in the coming days.
