The battle for the soul of Mount Kenya has descended into open warfare. Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has issued a stinging rebuke to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, declaring "Wamunyoro Siendi"—a flat refusal to visit his home village or bow to his political faction.

The phrase, which loosely translates to "I am not going to Wamunyoro," is a direct response to Gachagua’s recent attempts to consolidate the region’s leaders under his wing following his fallout with the state. Waiguru’s refusal is not just personal; it is a strategic rejection of Gachagua’s brand of ethnic populism. By distancing herself, she is positioning herself as the progressive alternative for the region, one who negotiates with the center rather than fighting it from the village.

The "Stupid" Insult Fallout

Tensions boiled over after a video surfaced where Gachagua allegedly referred to Waiguru and other detractors as "stupid" for abandoning the community’s cause. Waiguru’s retort strikes at the heart of Gachagua’s claim to be the region’s kingpin. "We will not be herded like sheep to a slaughterhouse in the name of unity," an aide close to the Governor told us. "Wamunyoro is not the capital of Mount Kenya."

The feud exposes the deep fracture in the Central Kenya voting bloc. On one side are the "village loyalists" aligned with Gachagua, who feel betrayed by the Ruto administration. On the other are the "state pragmatists" like Waiguru and Kindiki, who believe the region’s future lies in sticking with the government of the day.

• The Rice Market Proxy War: The conflict played out visibly at the Mwea Rice Market, where rival groups shouted down speakers. Waiguru has accused Gachagua’s allies of sabotage.
• 2027 Calculations: Waiguru is eyeing a national profile, possibly a running mate slot or a premier cabinet position. Being tied to Gachagua’s sinking ship is a political liability she cannot afford.
• The Gender Card: Waiguru has deftly used the attacks to rally women leaders, framing Gachagua’s insults as misogynistic and outdated.

A Region adrift

For the average voter in Nyeri or Kirinyaga, this war of words is a distraction from the biting economic reality. Coffee prices are fluctuating, fertilizer is expensive, and businesses are closing. Yet, their leaders are trading insults about village visits.

Waiguru has drawn her line. She is not going to Wamunyoro. The question remains: where is she going? And will the mountain follow her, or will it stay with the man from Mathira? The divorce is messy, public, and far from over.