Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru during an interview at her official residence in Kutus on December 17,2025.
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has taken aim at the United Opposition, led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, arguing that attacking the Kenya Kwanza administration without offering a clear alternative agenda will not win over voters, particularly in the Mt Kenya region.
In a wide-ranging exclusive interview with the Daily Nation, Ms Waiguru said the opposition was mistaken to believe that highlighting the perceived challenges of President William Ruto’s administration was enough to secure electoral victory.
She insisted that Mt Kenya voters were more discerning and were keen to hear concrete policy proposals rather than political rhetoric.
“It is one thing to argue against President Ruto, but Mt Kenya voters need to hear what a future government will deliver, beyond the sharing of spoils for individuals,” she said.
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru (left) with President William Ruto during the launch of the G7 women governors Strategy in Nairobi on March 7, 2024.
The Kirinyaga governor also cautioned against framing Mt Kenya politics around regional dominance, saying the region wants to be part of a broader national project rather than appear as a bloc seeking to lord it over others.
“Mt Kenya wants to be seen as an integral part of the Kenya mosaic, not a majority people lording it over others,” Ms Waiguru said.
Her remarks come amid intensifying political realignments ahead of the 2027 General Election, with the United Opposition seeking to consolidate support in key regions, including Mt Kenya.
Ms Waiguru’s comments add to the growing debate over whether the opposition can translate dissatisfaction with the current administration into a coherent alternative vision capable of unseating President Ruto.
During the interview, Ms Waiguru also delved into her development track record in Kirinyaga, future ambitions post 2027, and the space of women leaders in the governance of the country.
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru during an interview at her official residence in Kutus on December 17,2025.
Here are excerpts:
As the year comes to an end, how do you rate the performance of the Kenya Kwanza administration under President Ruto?
I believe that President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza government have performed fairly well despite significant challenges. We have stabilised the economy in key areas, including inflation, debt repayment and forex. In many of these areas, the economy was in ICU (Intensive Care Unit) at takeover. Now, everywhere you go throughout Kenya, you will find government programmes and tangible development projects in place and ongoing. Kenyans continue to raise the nation as they engage in economic activities everywhere. However, there is always room for improvement, especially in the area of liquidity, as citizens’ complaints indicate strained cash flows. These issues, I believe, the government is looking into.
Do you think the administration still enjoys the support it had in 2022, especially in Mt Kenya region?
It is true that the support in Mt Kenya had waned after a while, largely because of what many felt were unmet expectations. But away from social media and “influencers”, there is still a significant number within the silent public that supports the government — only with less visible enthusiasm than in 2022. Every relationship requires attention, nurturing and protection, and that remnant, which is expanding, is willing to give Kenya Kwanza a hearing. We are rebuilding trust in the government
What do you think needs to be done in order to restore it?
The government must be seen to be responding to people’s felt needs and concerns. These revolve around infrastructure, especially roads, revamping of the key agricultural sector, addressing concerns in health care, and more consultations with local leadership to agree on priorities.
In an apparent reference to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, you recently said he was driving Mt Kenya region towards the opposition. Why do you think so, yet he believes his camp will make Dr Ruto a one-term president?
The opposition seems to believe that by pointing out the weaknesses of the Kenya Kwanza government, they will win the election. But the electorate, particularly in Mt Kenya, is smarter. It is one thing to argue against President Ruto, but Mt Kenya voters need to hear more about what a future government will deliver beyond the sharing of spoils for individuals. Secondly, Mt Kenya wants to be seen as an integral part of the Kenya mosaic, not a majority people lording it over others.
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru during an interview at her official residence in Kutus on December 17,2025.
Mr Gachagua and former president Uhuru Kenyatta are in the Opposition. Why do you think Mt Kenya region should ignore them and stay put in government?
So far, there doesn’t seem to be a considered and well-thought-out programme by the United Opposition beyond criticism and the desire to replace the current government. On its part, the Kenya Kwanza government appears more defined on the economy, on health, on agriculture, on infrastructure and on education — the issues that matter most to Mt Kenya voters. If, between now and the elections, we deliver on these promises, it would be next to impossible and also unwise to seek to change of government mid-term.
You are serving your last term as governor. Do you have other political ambitions post-2027?
I have been fortunate to serve in key responsibilities in Kenya, including as a government advisor on reforms in my 30s, Director of IFMIS (a platform to streamline financial operations of county and national governments), and Cabinet Secretary in one of the most impactful ministries (Devolution and Planning), where I initiated the Huduma programme. I was elected governor in my 40s and re-elected in the 2022 General Election. In addition, I served as Chair of the Council of Governors for two years.
These responsibilities have enhanced my capacity for public leadership, and I believe there is still fuel in the tank for me to serve Kenya in other capacities.
I am a committed participant in national development and the continuous evolution of our country. I intend to remain active in politics and governance and will, therefore, continue serving in any suitable position beyond 2027.
What are those ambitions?
I am still consulting with critical constituents. However, as I said, I am available to serve Kenyans in any suitable position.
President Ruto had promised women leaders a running mate slot in 2027. Do you think he should honour this promise?
I believe women have shown that we can serve in the highest offices in the land — not as tokenism, but as a right. The country benefits immensely when every sector of its population is included in all arenas, including in the highest echelons of leadership. It would be fitting for that reality to be recognised and affirmed in the next administration. However, what that would look like is solely President William Ruto’s prerogative.
Where does this leave (Deputy President) Prof Kithure Kindiki?
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru during an interview at her official residence in Kutus on December 17,2025.
As I have said, the person who will deputise the president and how to balance gender and other considerations is the sole prerogative of the President.
What can you mention as your major development projects in Kirinyaga County?
My main legacy will be in health, where we have improved infrastructure and service delivery through upgrading of Kerugoya County Referral Hospital from Level 4 to Level 5 to include the delivery of specialised services. There is also upgrading of Kimbimbi, Kianyaga and Sagana from Level 3 to Level 4 Hospitals, thereby expanding the scope of services offered there. Others include the construction and equipping of 24 health facilities to improve primary healthcare up to the grassroots, improved health human resources capacity and digitisation.
In Agriculture, we have supported over 100,000 households to improve production and productivity through the Wezesha Kirinyaga Programme. At the same time, in trade and industrialisation, we have developed the Sagana Industrial City, which has an Export Processing Zone (EPZ), Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPS), a first that is now a benchmark for other counties. Once complete, the industrial park will enable our farmers to earn more income from value addition, processing and marketing and create over 10,000 direct and over 100,000 indirect jobs for our youth. We have also constructed more than 27 new markets to provide farmers and traders with a conducive trading environment.
Other areas include improved infrastructure, water supply and digitised revenue collection.
What do you intend to achieve before you leave office?
I intend to complete the pending projects that include to operationalise the industrial park, and boost industrialisation for job creation. Additionally, we intend to complete the ongoing hospital upgrades, and to complete the ongoing water works connecting the underserved, especially in Mwea Sub-County.
In 2022, the Azimio coalition, under the late Raila Odinga, was the runner-up in the presidential election. What's your analysis of how the 2027 election would look?
I believe that we have matured sufficiently as a democracy, so the elections will be largely free and fair. The electorate is also more sophisticated. Whoever can excite the imagination of the public, not through rhetoric and oratory skills, but, through clear programmes supported by evidence of delivery, will win 2027.
What’s your parting shot?
We live in a great country made up of numerous resolute communities with tremendous potential. We have established the constitutional and institutional foundations for moving the country to a higher level. The next ten years are the take-off season for Kenya, and I hope to play a role in making this country the great nation our people deserve.
I would also like to wish all Kenyans a Merry Christmas and a Happy and prosperous New Year.
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