President Uhuru Kenyatta could be grooming Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru to take over as Jubilee Party leader after 2022. This revelation comes just a day after the former Devolution CS for the first time confessed publicly, that there were problems in the ruling party, in terms of its operations and popularity which needed to be solved.
Highly placed sources in tune with what is going on at the party’s Pangani Headquarters in Nairobi intimate to this publication, yesterday’s public statement by Mrs. Waiguru is one of the many moves aimed a resuscitating the party, following a series of defeat in Mt Kenya in recent by-elections.
”She has been identified by the party leader to carry the torch. Monday’s public statement is one of the many positions she will be publicly taking on Jubilee Party affairs. Also after having men dominate party leadership for ten years, it is time for a woman to take over,” the source said.
Governor Waiguru, perceived by many around Mt Kenya to be an associate of Raila Odinga confessed on Monday the party had taken a beating and was operating in a different context today, as it was ten years ago. With President Uhuru Kenyatta focussed on his legacy and DP William Ruto obsessed on his break-away UDA faction and 2022 politics, the Jubilee Party has suffered huge political losses and has not had a strong political voice outside parliament, a role Waiguru is positioning herself to take.
”The rains have beaten us. Our fortunes are dwindling. Intense introspection is demanded. As we head to 2022 we must recognize that the Party is now operating in a new context far different from 10 years ago,” the Kirinyaga boss said in a statement on Monday.
Decision by President Uhuru to settle on Waiguru to lead the Jubilee Party may have been informed by events during the Juja and Bonchari by-elections. There are those who believed the Bonchari mini-polls was a litmus test for CS Fred Matiangi, who went overboard by using state forces to try win the seat, to impress Jubilee Party leadership. The Interior CS has been touted as one among the few people who may run for the top seat under Jubilee Party ticket.
