Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has rejected claims linking her to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s political network, stating that she has no plans to join the DCP leader’s camp.
Speaking on Friday during the groundbreaking of the Kirinyaga Central KMTC, the governor said she remains focused on her current mandate and is not engaging in early succession politics.
Waiguru dismissed the speculation as misguided and cautioned political operatives who, she said, were pushing premature alignments ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to her, the individuals advancing the claims were creating unnecessary tension in the region at a time when county development should take priority.
She added that some of the narratives were based on misunderstandings about eligibility rules, noting that the constitution restricts both herself and Gachagua from specific future bids.
“It is not even that he can vie; the constitution does not allow him,” Waiguru said, explaining that she also cannot seek a third term as Kirinyaga governor. She questioned why leaders would rally behind someone whose political direction remains uncertain.
Her remarks come amid shifting dynamics in the Mt Kenya region, which has seen realignments following disagreements within the United Democratic Alliance and changing loyalties among local leaders.
The region has historically been a major voting bloc, often influencing national coalitions, and political moves within its counties tend to attract significant national attention.
Waiguru also emphasized that claims suggesting she was preparing to defect were being driven by individuals who “follow her around” in search of political signals.
She urged them to “take it slow” and allow elected leaders to finish their terms without pressure.
“For those following me around, I tell them to take it slow because the election is far,” she said during the event.
The governor defended her record, saying she is committed to completing ongoing programmes in health, infrastructure, and youth development before her term expires.
She argued that early political jostling distracts from service delivery and gives residents mixed messages about leadership priorities.