Waiguru warns Mt Kenya leaders against abandoning govt without a clear plan
By Bancy Lole, January 23, 2026Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has cautioned leaders and residents of the Mt Kenya region to exercise caution amid emerging political realignments, warning against being pushed out of government without a clear alternative path.
This comes even as President William Ruto is keen to reclaim his 2022 turf, as the opposition led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua maintains that they will make it slippery to stop his reelection bid.
Speaking on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Kutus during a meeting with just elected grassroots UDA leaders in Kirinyaga, Waiguru said Mt Kenya must not be misled into abandoning the Kenya Kwanza government without being told where the region is headed politically.
“No one should tell us to get out of government without clearly explaining where we are going. Mt Kenya must be strategic and deliberate in its political decisions.” Waiguru said.
The governor questioned the viability of emerging political movements linked to Gachagua, stating that such formations lack a clear presidential candidate and national outlook.
“There is no presidential candidate for Mt Kenya in the opposition. The key opposition meetings have reportedly been held without Gachagua’s involvement, a sign, she argued, of weak coordination and internal exclusion,” she said.
Waiguru further claimed that even within the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), there are individuals said to be plotting to take over the party, raising concerns about internal instability.
Emphasising the region’s political contribution, Waiguru reminded residents that Mt Kenya played a decisive role in electing the Kenya Kwanza government and should not walk away from power and hand leadership to others.
“The Kenya Kwanza government was put in office by the people of Mt Kenya. We cannot leave government and abandon it to others,” she said.
Waiguru-Gachagua tiff
Waiguru further took issue with remarks by Gachagua, saying he has publicly claimed to be waiting for the retired President Uhuru Kenyatta to join the opposition.
She dismissed the claims, stating that Uhuru remains part of the government’s broader engagement framework.
“We chose to negotiate, and that is why we are seeing development in Kirinyaga and across the region,” she said.
She also called for political unity, urging residents to set aside any anger or dissatisfaction they may have had with the Kenya Kwanza administration and instead focus on the region’s long-term political and economic interests.
On his part, Kirinyaga Central politician Gachoki Gitari said recent UDA party elections in the county clearly established Governor Waiguru as the party’s political leader in Kirinyaga. His remarks appeared to counter claims by Ndia MP George Kariuki, who had previously said he was leading UDA campaigns in the county.
Moreover, Kirinyaga County Assembly Speaker Muteti Murimi also praised the UDA elections, saying they recorded an impressive turnout, a sign that the party remains strong and popular in the region.
Murimi declared that Mt Kenya politics begins in Kirinyaga, insisting that even the 2027 political journey will start from the county.
“Anyone seeking political relevance in Kirinyaga must come through Governor Anne Waiguru, who is the region’s leader,” he said.