Kirinyaga Woman Representative Wangui Ngirici has opened up how her relationship with Deputy President William Ruto deteriorated after the entry of Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru into their camp
Speaking to the Standard on Wednesday, November 24, the outspoken lawmaker noted that the entry of Governor Waiguru into the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) camp, affiliated to DP Ruto, has forced her to take a step back in active politics involving the second in command.
Ngirici stated that her friendship with Ruto is now hanging on a peg as she contemplates her next step of action regarding UDA.
In recent times, Ngirici has skipped key political events attended by Ruto including rallies in Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Murang’a and Kericho counties.
Waiguru officially joined UDA on October 26, pledging her support to Ruto's presidency.
They are both set to contest for the Kirinyaga gubernatorial seat in the 2022 General election. The entry of Waiguru has complicated things for Ngirici, who has maintained that her supporters would follow her despite of her next political move.
“I’m, however, confident that my supporters will follow me, regardless of the pedestal I’d be standing on,” Ngirici stated.
She added, “politics is akin to the game of chess; you must study it well as your next decision would determine whether you win or lose. I have now retreated to carefully study my options before I make my next political move."
Ngirici detailing her contribution to UDA, noted that she played a key role in popularising the party and Ruto's bid for the presidency in the region. She further argues that she sucessfully neutralized the Building Bridges Initiative wave that was being championed by Waiguru.
“I popularised UDA Party in Kirinyaga County. I convinced my people that UDA was the political outfit to join, and that Ruto was the man best-suited to take over from [President] Uhuru Kenyatta in 2022. I also made them see the gaps in BBI, which was being championed by the President’s team,” she said.
"During that time, Waiguru was on the other side opposing Ruto, claiming that the DP had rented members of the Kikuyu community. She was also at the forefront popularising BBI across Kenya,” said Ngirici, adding: “When her [BBI] mission failed, she crossed over to UDA."
The delicate relationship with Ruto's camp has forced her to take a step back, revealing that she will soon make a statement regarding her future.
"For now, let me sit back and ponder on what’s good for me, politically.”
