Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has issued a stern warning to Mt Kenya leaders visiting former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at his Wamunyoro residence, cautioning that they might regret their political choices.
Speaking at a county event on Wednesday, February 19, Waiguru criticized the leaders for engaging with Gachagua, who has emerged as a vocal government critic following his impeachment. The governor, a key ally of the ruling Kenya Kwanza administration, underscored the political risks of aligning with Gachagua, emphasizing that those seen at Wamunyoro could jeopardize their future electoral prospects.
“I want to tell my fellow leaders from Mt Kenya not to rush to where you are being told to go (Wamunyoro). Because even where you are being told to go, you are not the only one interested in getting a political endorsement to vie for office,” Waiguru stated.
She further cautioned that Gachagua’s potential political outfit might not guarantee nominations for all its members. “Even for that person (Gachagua) who wants to create a political party, there will be many people who will want to vie for office through his party. You will end up crammed in that party and may not get a ticket at all,” she added.
Waiguru’s remarks come amid an observable division in Mt Kenya politics, with numerous leaders flocking to Gachagua’s home, signaling a potential realignment in the region. Gachagua, who has vowed to unveil a new political outfit, has been actively hosting political, business, and religious leaders at his residence. His strategy has led some analysts to view Wamunyoro as an emerging center of power, rivalling President William Ruto’s State House and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s Karen residence.
Gachagua’s political ambitions, however, face significant hurdles. Waiguru reminded leaders that his impeachment renders him ineligible to run for public office, though the matter is currently being contested in court. “When these leaders are rushing there (Wamunyoro), are they even sure that the one behind it is fit to run for office? Let us focus on development matters,” she urged.