Laikipia Woman Representative, Catherine Waruguru, says Deputy President William Ruto assured her of a slot in the next Parliament.
In an interview with KTN News on Friday, May 20, Waruguru was overconfident that her party, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) will nominate her to the National Assembly.
The MP, who lost to incumbent Laikipia East MP, Amin Deddy, in the UDA primaries, disclosed that she vented her frustration to Ruto in a private meeting where she was guaranteed party support.
“The most important thing is that I will be in the 13th Parliament. I will be sworn in even before those who are contesting arrive. There are many ways to get to Parliament,” Waruguru stated.
“I spoke with the DP and I reiterated my loyalty to the Kenya Kwanza alliance and the UDA party. He understood the basis of my argument, especially when I underlined that the party primaries were unfair,” the vocal lawmaker added.
In her first interview since she lost the nomination, Waruguru asserted that she opted against contesting as an independent candidate and rather focused on campaigning for the DP.
“There were election malpractices and UDA failed the people but I will not let my frustrations divert my attention from my main goal.
“The main goal is campaigning for Ruto and I being in Parliament,” Waruguru added.
She, nonetheless, acknowledged that a number of women leaders supporting the DP were shortchanged during the nominations.
Waruguru cited herself as an example noting that she sacrificed her all to defend Ruto, to the extent of putting herself first in the line of battle.
“Most of my area residents were saddened by the fact that I and other staunch Ruto supporters were not given direct tickets."
“I have gone to every breath and height to fight for Ruto as a woman, and so have others like MP Peris Tobiko of Kajiado East and Bomet Woman Representative Joyce Korir.”
Korir and Tobiko lost in the UDA primaries to 24-year-old Linet Chepkorir alias Toto and Katoo Ole Metito respectively.
However, Waruguru disputed reports alleging that they were betrayed, arguing that the nominations were part of tactical plays by parties to ensure that they have the best candidates in certain regions.
“In Homabay County gubernatorial race, John Mbadi - the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) chairman - was asked to step down for Woman Representative, Gladys Wanga.
“Was he played or betrayed? No!” Waruguru differed.
