Kirinyaga Governor, Anne Mumbi Waiguru, has revealed how President Uhuru Kenyatta's allies played a role in her move to the United Democratic Movement (UDA) party.
Speaking during a meeting in Karen, Waiguru revealed that she consulted with her Kieleweke partners, who advised her it was time to jump ship since her county residents had shown immense support for Deputy President William Ruto.
The governor on Tuesday, October 26, announced that she would defend her seat on a UDA ticket after consulting with the people of Kirinyaga and also seasoned politicians who understand how the game of politics is played.
Waiguru stated that she was advised to listen to the people and understand how crucial it is to stay relevant and in touch with the needs of the electorate. She also pointed out that the move was not easy for her because she thought she was betraying Kieleweke.
"I asked for wisdom and I think I have listened. I have checked with members who are sitting here and I have even checked with people who are still on the other side. I have asked if it would amount to betrayal if I moved but the message I have been given is that in politics, you must be very careful to stay relevant," Waiguru stated.
Waiguru added that she feared that the people would not elect her on a Jubilee Party ticket, adding that she had done her research on the ground and she listened to her voters.
"You must be very careful to listen to the people. Never imagine as a leader you are the one who tells the people what to do. The people tell you what to do. They decide who they will elect very early," she added.
The Governor explained that during the just concluded Mashujaa Day celebrations, it became obvious who the people of Kirinyaga would elect in 2022, referencing the cheers DP Ruto received from the crowd when he addressed them. Waiguru praised DP Ruto for how he handled the situation.
During Mashujaa Day, Ruto’s assurances to President Uhuru Kenyatta thrilled the attendees at Wang’uru Stadium, Kirinyaga County.
DP Ruto promised to safeguard Uhuru’s legacy after the Head of State retires in 2022. He praised the President as a transformational leader whose reputation and development agenda would guide his successors.
“I assure you that as your deputy for nine years, your legacy and agenda and transformation of our nation together with the bottom-up approach will drive this country,” Ruto stated as the crowd cheered on.
Uhuru, who favours a trickle-down economic model rather than Ruto’s bottom-up approach, was also spotted laughing at the DP’s thinly veiled attack.
The DP further claimed to speak on behalf of all opposition leaders who had attended the meeting, when he assured Uhuru that they would work in unison and champion for peace and posterity.
