Waiguru Rules Out Gachagua Alliance, Reaffirms Support for Ruto

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has ruled out an alliance with Democracy for the Citizens (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, popularly known as Wamunyoro, as Kenya's political landscape continues to shift ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking on Wednesday during a women's empowerment event at Kamiigua Polytechnic grounds, Waiguru said she had deliberately stayed out of the political spotlight for the past six weeks and had no intention of joining political camps where, in her words, people are “chased and denied microphones.”

“I have talked less. You have been telling me to go where people are being chased and denied microphones. I will not join Wamunyoro, I have been keeping quiet for six weeks. I will not join there,” Waiguru said.

Her remarks appeared to reference an incident involving former Kirinyaga Woman Representative Purity Wangui Ngirici, who was reportedly denied an opportunity to address residents during a visit to the county by Gachagua.

Waiguru also said she would not be drawn into political exchanges with individuals who criticise or insult her.

“I will not respond to those calling me names,” she said.

Waiguru Reaffirms Support for Ruto

The governor, who has largely kept a low public profile since the government's loss in the Ol Kalou by-election, told residents that her political position had not changed.

Waiguru said she would continue concentrating on service delivery in Kirinyaga rather than engaging in frequent political commentary or media appearances.

She reaffirmed her support for President William Ruto, invoking the political arrangement associated with former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

“Uhuru said he will rule for 10 years and Ruto will rule for 10 years. I'm still where Uhuru left me,” she said.

The remarks effectively positioned Waiguru within the Ruto camp at a time when political alignments are increasingly taking shape ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.

Governor Questions Fragmented Opposition

Waiguru also weighed in on the growing number of politicians positioning themselves for the presidency under the opposition umbrella.

She observed that the number of declared opposition presidential contenders had continued to increase, making it potentially difficult for the opposition to settle on a single candidate.

“There were six presidential candidates in the opposition and now there are seven. I told you they will be over 10 presidential candidates and they will not be able to agree on who to pick,” she said.

Her remarks come as opposition parties and political leaders continue to explore possible alliances and coalitions ahead of the 2027 elections.

Gachoki Calls for Waiguru as Ruto's Running Mate

Kirinyaga Central MP Gachoki Gitari used the event to lobby the national government over development projects in the county.

Gitari called on the government to honour its commitment to establish a Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) campus in Kianyaga, Gichugu, while noting that the promised KMTC campus in Kerugoya was nearing completion.

The MP also made a political appeal that could further fuel speculation over the 2027 race.

Addressing First Lady Rachel Ruto, Gitari asked her to convey a message to President Ruto that Waiguru should be considered for the deputy presidential ticket in 2027.

“First Lady, go and tell the President that because of gender, pick Waiguru as running mate in 2027,” Gitari said.

The remarks represent a notable shift from previous political expectations surrounding support for Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as a potential running mate in the next presidential contest.

Rachel Ruto Urges Women to Empower Their Families

First Lady Rachel Ruto, who presided over the women's empowerment event, urged women's groups to remain focused on initiatives that can improve the economic wellbeing of their families.

She encouraged women to work together and pursue opportunities that can strengthen household incomes and improve livelihoods.

Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni Muriuki used the event to highlight the impact of cancer and HIV on women and families.

Muriuki disclosed that she had lost both her mother and sister to cancer and urged women to prioritise regular medical examinations and early detection.

Gender Principal Secretary Anne Wang'ombe, meanwhile, said her ministry remained committed to advancing programmes aimed at empowering women.

Political Positioning Intensifies Ahead of 2027

Waiguru's remarks add to the increasingly fluid political environment ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Her decision to publicly rule out an alliance with Gachagua, while simultaneously reaffirming her support for Ruto, is likely to attract attention as political parties and leaders begin positioning themselves for the next electoral contest.

With potential alliances still taking shape, questions over presidential and running-mate tickets are expected to become increasingly prominent as the country moves closer to the 2027 elections.