Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru fueled speculation in political circles on Thursday, September 9 after she was flanked by a key politician from Musalia Mudavadi’s camp.

Waiguru who had just been grilled by sleuths from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) addressed journalists outside the anti-corruption headquarters in the company of Amani National Congress (ANC) deputy party leader Ayub Savula.

Speaking in defense of Waiguru, Savula described the graft cases against the governor as politically instigated pointing out power wrangles within Central Kenya ahead of the August 2022 polls.

“We know it is because of politics. We know that in Central it is very difficult to sell a certain political party and a certain individual who is contesting for the presidency. As ANC, we are going to stand in solidarity with her and we are courting her to be one of our political kingpins in Central Kenya,” Savula said.

Waiguru was questioned by EACC detectives in connection to a Ksh52 million pending bill in her county.

“Yes we are courting her to join our party because there are problems in her party,” Savula said, “even a girl is courted and so that is what we are doing.”

In her response, Waiguru did not comment on Savula’s statement but accused the anti-graft body of political witch hunt.

“The summons by the EACC are ill-timed, politically instigated and have nothing to do with the purported investigations on misappropriation of funds,” Waiguru said in her official statement.

The Thursday 9 questioning of Waiguru in connection to graft charges comes barely a week after she accused the anti-graft body of malice.

“Recently I said I am introspecting on the political way forward and immediately I get EACC summons,” Waiguru tweeted on Saturday.

“Is it just a coincidence, witch hunt or the usual attempt to shape narratives for 2022 politics?” the governor posed.

In a recent interview with a local radio station, ANC party leader hinted of a possibility of him picking a running mate from Central Kenya.

Mudavadi credited Mt Kenya region for their experience politically pointing out the number of times the region has produced presidents.

“There is a lot of experience in the region. They are people who love doing business and can contribute a lot to the economy and the nation. So, I’m not saying no, there’s a possibility,” Mudavadi said.