In February 2021, Kirinyaga County Governor Ann Waiguru sent a chilling warning to politicians that Mount Kenya voters are independent thinkers who can never be enticed by political favours.
At the time, Waiguru was seemingly sending a warning to the then Deputy President and the current President William Ruto.
Waiguru's warning came against the backdrop of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) that was unanimously passed by Mount Kenya representatives in the county assemblies and the National Assembly.
"You can only rent a Kikuyu but you can't buy one," Waiguru remarked after Mt Kenya Members of County Assembly (MCAs) harmoniously passed the BBI bill in February 2021.
However, Waiguru's warning seems to have conversely come to pass while she is on the side of President William Ruto, and seemingly against the Azimio La Umoja coalition, a side she was championing for when she made the remarks.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Political Analyst Martin Andati explained that President William Ruto is trying to weaken ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga by taking away his troops.
"However, when Raila noticed that Ruto was taking away his MPs and Governors, he returned to the voters who have been attending his rallies in large crowds," Andati explained.
On Wednesday, February 8, President Willliam Ruto met over thirty Jubilee Party MPs at State House Nairobi to discuss their political future.
Confirming the meeting, President William Ruto noted that it was inevitable for leaders to work together, noting that "the people who elected you are the same people who elected us".
"You have a right to make choices as Kenya is a democratic country. You are now our members and we will treat you as such," President Ruto explained.
The Jubilee Party MPs apparently decided to put their differences aside and work with Ruto on national issues affecting the country.
"We will be seeking your support on Bills and regulations on the Housing Fund, Water Purchasing Agreements, among others," President Ruto noted.
The over 30 MPs decamped to the Kenya Kwanza government and pledged their loyalty to President Willliam Ruto.
The Jubilee Party Members of Parliament who visited the State House included Balambala MP Omar Shurie, Eldas MP Adan Keynan and Isiolo Women Representative Fatuma Dullo.
"The MPs and Governors will soon realise that they are with President William Ruto but Raila is with the people. That is when they will have to rethink their strategies," Andati explained.
On February 7, 2023, President William Ruto also met seven ODM Party MPs including Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Mark Nyamita (Uriri), Caroli Omondi (Suba South), Shakeel Shabir (Kisumu East, Independent) Felix Odiwuor alias Jalang’o (Lang’ata), Paul Abuor (Rongo), John Owino (Awendo) and Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda.
