Waiguru Explains Why She Would Lose Seat if Defended on Jubilee Ticket

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru in the Senate During her impeachment hearing in June 2020.
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru in the Senate During her impeachment hearing in June 2020.
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Kirinyaga Governor, Anne Waiguru, has admitted that she would easily lose her gubernatorial seat if she contested on a Jubilee Party ticket.

Speaking on Citizen TV on Wednesday, September 8, Waiguru expressed fears that she would be defeated by a wave if she sticks with Jubilee Party as it is at the moment.

She added that despite being popular, if elections were to be held today, her election on a Jubilee Party ticket would be a long shot.

“The truth of the matter is that defending my seat, if the polls were held today, would be very difficult, and that is the truth of the matter, Jubilee needs to look internally at its issues in order to be acceptable to the people of Mt Kenya,” Waiguru stated.

Ann Waiguru addressing the council of governors. Source: Facebook
Kirinyaga Governor Ann Waiguru addressing the Council of Governors.
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The outspoken Governor claimed that the ruling party had fallen out with the people of Mt Kenya, adding that the only way to get out of that mess is by carrying out reforms.

“If I ran today on a Jubilee ticket and someone else ran on a different party, even if people felt I had performed, it would be hard to convince them to vote for me.”

On joining Deputy President William Ruto's affiliated United Democratic Alliance, Waiguru did not rule out the possibilities but stated she is considering other options.

“For now, I am spending time on the ground listening to what the people want. One needs to be careful to make the right decision to survive politically. I am asking my people which ‘vehicle’ to use to secure my seat,” she added. 

She further claimed being a running mate is not one of her options, insisting on her need to defend the gubernatorial seat and continue with her development agenda.

On her troubles, Waiguru stated that the same people who sponsored an impeachment motion against her but failed, are the ones behind the recent summons by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).

"The same people behind my impeachment are the same people behind the summons to EACC," she stated.

“In the last one year, my county has had over 250 summons to EACC. The information EACC wants they can get even without summoning me."

On the fallout between President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy, Waiguru claimed the two need to find a solution for the betterment of the country.

“To be in a position where the President and his DP are not working together is unfortunate. We need to figure out where we went wrong so we do not find ourselves in such a situation again as it affects all of us,” she remarked.

President Uhuru Kenyatta and then Cabinet Secretary for Devolution and Planning Anne Waiguru join traditional dancers during her homecoming ceremony at Kiamugumo Secondary School in Kirinyaga County on September 6, 2014
President Uhuru Kenyatta and then Cabinet Secretary for Devolution and Planning Anne Waiguru join traditional dancers during her homecoming ceremony at Kiamugumo Secondary School in Kirinyaga County on September 6, 2014
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