‘He Has Nowhere to Lead You’: Waiguru Issues Scathing Attack on Gachagua’s Political Future
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has delivered one of her most direct political attacks yet on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, warning Mt Kenya residents against rallying behind him ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking on Friday, December 5, during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC)–Kirinyaga Central Campus, Waiguru said the region risked being misled if it allowed Gachagua to position himself as its political voice.
The governor—who also serves as Council of Governors chairperson—insisted she could not work with the former DP, accusing him of attempting to steer residents toward what she described as a political “dead end.”
‘He Has No Political Destination to Offer’
Waiguru told the gathering that Gachagua’s impeachment in October 2024 had already barred him from seeking any elective office under the 2010 Constitution, making any effort to elevate him politically “futile.”
“You still have time because the elections are not here yet. So think carefully,” she said.
“If you have no position anywhere, where exactly is this person you are following supposed to lead you? He cannot stand for any seat. He can’t — the Constitution does not allow it. It’s not me; it’s the Constitution.”
She added:
“Just like I cannot run for governor for a third term because the Constitution says so, you are now following someone who does not know where he is going. Where will he take you? Not even MCA — there is no seat he can be given.”
Waiguru urged voters to reflect on their choices as political temperatures rise, cautioning that popularity and visibility do not necessarily guarantee political success.
“It’s like a child waking up to go to school — going every day does not mean passing the exam,” she explained.
“You can have 100% attendance, but when the exam comes, you score 20%. Have you passed or failed?”
Dismisses Claims She Is Abandoning UDA
The governor also rejected claims that she was preparing to defect from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), insisting her loyalty to the governing coalition remained intact.
“I am not joining DCP,” she said firmly. “My loyalty is with the government and the coalition we formed.”
Questions Gachagua’s Claim to Mt Kenya Leadership
Beyond legal questions surrounding Gachagua’s political future, Waiguru questioned his claim to being the region’s political spokesperson.
She argued that the role had never been formally bestowed on him, and reminded residents that former President Uhuru Kenyatta remained the region’s most senior political figure.
“Kenyatta was given the responsibility to lead the Mountain, and we have not taken that role away from him,” she said.
“Gachagua should not boast that he is the spokesperson of our region.”
Waiguru further claimed that the former DP’s influence had waned due to his habit of belittling elected leaders—behaviour she said had “pushed the party into rejection on the ground.”
‘Mt Kenya Must Remain Inside Government’
The governor urged residents to reject narratives that portray certain leaders as divisive, saying the region could not afford to place itself outside government, especially when national appointments and key projects remain closely tied to political alignment.
“I have no insults,” she stated. “But he comes here and insults me from morning to evening. As leaders, we must tell you the truth.”
She added:
“I am saying that whichever government will be in power in 2027, we shall be inside. Mt Kenya cannot afford to be in the opposition.”
Waiguru concluded by cautioning residents that Gachagua was “misleading” them by holding onto ambitions that the law no longer allows him to pursue.
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‘He Has Nowhere to Lead You’: Waiguru Issues Scathing Attack on Gachagua’s Political Future