Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has issued a stark political call to her Mt Kenya backyard: remain with President William Ruto's government or risk being cast into the political wilderness. In a direct challenge to the burgeoning opposition movement, Waiguru argued that attacking the current administration without offering a concrete alternative is a losing strategy.

This positions Waiguru as a key Ruto ally in a region experiencing significant political turbulence. Her stance directly counters efforts by some leaders, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, to galvanize the region against the Kenya Kwanza government, setting the stage for a fierce battle for the mountain's soul ahead of 2027.

The Case for a National Agenda

Waiguru's core message is one of pragmatism over sentiment. She insists that for the average Kenyan, political alignment must translate into tangible development—better roads, improved agriculture, and a stable economy. "Mt Kenya wants to be seen as an integral part of the Kenya mosaic, not a majority people lording it over others," Waiguru noted, cautioning against the dangers of tribal rhetoric.

She has repeatedly warned that regional isolationism, which she accuses Gachagua of promoting, will only sideline the community from national resources and decision-making. Her argument is clear: the region's economic interests are better served by being inside the government, not outside it throwing stones.

• Waiguru has launched a national campaign to rally support for President Ruto's second term.
• She emphasizes that voters are more interested in policy proposals than political rhetoric.
• The Governor has dismissed suggestions of an alliance with Gachagua, citing his camp's lack of a clear path to victory.

A Political Crossroads for the Mountain

The political landscape in Mt Kenya is fractured. Since the 2022 elections, a power vacuum has emerged, leading to intense competition for regional kingpin status. Gachagua has been actively consolidating a base, framing himself as the defender of the region's interests against perceived betrayal by the Ruto administration. This has led to a bitter fallout, with Ruto's allies, including Waiguru, launching a counteroffensive to portray the former DP as an anti-development isolationist.

Waiguru, whose second term as governor ends in 2027, is strategically positioning herself for a national role. While she has stated she will not run for the presidency in 2027, she has confirmed her intention to remain active in politics and is available to serve in another capacity. Her vocal support for the President is seen as a calculated move to secure her political future within the Kenya Kwanza power structure.

As the 2027 election cycle draws nearer, the ideological clash between Waiguru's call for national integration and Gachagua's push for regional unity will undoubtedly intensify. The ultimate direction the region takes could very well determine the country's next political chapter.