A war of words has erupted between Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru and Ndia MP George Kariuki over the control and leadership of the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party in Kirinyaga.

The UDA grassroots elections formed the basis of the local contest between the two leaders, with Governor Waiguru and Kirinyaga Central MP Gachoki Gitari on one side, and Ndia MP George Kariuki, Mwea MP Mary Maingi, and Gichugu MP Gichimu Githinji on the other.

Waiguru said that by virtue of being the governor of the county, she remains the senior-most leader and therefore the automatic leader of the ruling party in Kirinyaga.

“I am the elected governor of this county and the senior-most leader. Leadership is earned through the ballot, not self-declaration,” Waiguru said on Friday, January 9, 2026.

The governor went further to dare the Ndia MP first to seek the gubernatorial seat if he is “man enough”, insisting she would not allow him to take over leadership through the back door.

“If he wants to lead Kirinyaga, let him face the people and win a countywide seat. I will not allow anyone to grab leadership from the back door,” she added.

Waiguru also dismissed claims that founding membership gives Kariuki an upper hand in UDA politics.

“Being a founder does not give anyone a monopoly over the party. Those of us who joined later brought value and ensured UDA won most seats in Kirinyaga,” she said.

George Kariuki’s response

But in a quick response, Kariuki, on Saturday, January 10, 2026, after casting his vote at Kathaka Primary School, accused Governor Waiguru of political opportunism, claiming she only joined UDA at the eleventh hour for convenience.

“When we were popularising UDA on the ground, she was campaigning for BBI. She only joined UDA close to elections to save her seat,” Kariuki said.

Kariuki went on to label the governor a “political octopus”, questioning her loyalty to the ruling party.

“She has one leg in UDA and another in Jubilee. You cannot serve two masters and claim to lead this party,” he remarked.

Waiguru’s political future

The legislator, who also chairs the National Assembly Committee on Roads and Infrastructure, said Waiguru was free to chart her own political path without attacking others.

“If she feels uncomfortable in UDA, she is free to form her party or join another without dragging leaders through the mud,” he said.

Kariuki further questioned Waiguru’s claim to UDA leadership in the county amid speculation about her future political plans.

“She cannot claim to lead UDA in Kirinyaga while it is public knowledge that she is planning to jump ship and rejoin Jubilee,” he added.