Kirinyaga county Governor Ann Waiguru has called for a handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy Dr William Ruto, in a bid to ensure a peaceful co-existence between the two top national leaders.

Addressing Kienjege residents in Ndia Constituency, Waiguru said that if President Uhuru was able to reconcile with his erstwhile political rival Raila Odinga, then a peace pact between him and Ruto is also possible.

After the handshake, Waiguru said that Uhuru should back away from succession politics.

“Mr President, we love you and we respect you. Because I have been here and listened to the people, if I were you I would have a handshake with William Ruto,” Waiguru said adding that such a move would cement the respect that President Uhuru has earned within the region

She further disputed the claim that DP Ruto had once hatched a plan to overthrow President Uhuru’s government.

While defending the Deputy President, Waiguru pointed her finger at ODM party leader Raila Odinga as the only politician who swore himself as the people’s president right after the 2017 general elections.

“Because the person we know wanted to overthrow your government went ahead and swore himself in, and that person is Raila Odinga,” she said.

She also noted that Mt Kenya Region is backing DP William Ruto’s presidential bid.

“Mt Kenya Region is standing with the DP William Samoei Ruto to the end,” she said.

Waiguru also took a swipe at her main opponent for the Kirinyaga gubernatorial seat Wangui Ngirici, who is seeking to unseat her on an independent ticket during the August 9 polls.,

She said that it is highly possible that Kirinyaga county residents will not vote for a leader seeking any position on an independent ticket.

“There are people who claim to be vying on an independent ticket while others do not even know the parties they are supporting. Let me tell you, you are either in UDA party or under the Azimio la Umoja coalition,” she told the residents.

She also called for a free and fair party primaries which are expected to take place in April 2022 ahead of the August 9 general elections.

“Nominations are on the way and we want a free and fair nominations. I decamped to UDA and everyone scampered, it is God who made my way, and I am grateful,” she said.

She called on Kirinyaga residents to elect all leaders affiliated to Deputy President’s UDA party during the August polls.