Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has called on the Mt Kenya community to honor past political commitments by supporting President William Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027, reviving the famous “Yangu Kumi, Ya Ruto Kumi” pact that shaped the 2013 political alliance between former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Ruto.
Speaking on Saturday during the launch of the Mutithi Health Centre maternity wing in Mwea, Waiguru emphasized the importance of political trust and unity within the region. She urged residents to uphold the promise made during Uhuru’s tenure, warning that breaking political agreements could erode Mt Kenya’s credibility on the national stage.
“Uhuru himself said ‘yangu kumi, ya Ruto kumi’. As Mt Kenya, we must honour our promise. Politics is about trust, and once you break trust, no one takes you seriously again,” Waiguru said.
The governor cautioned that despite Mt Kenya’s large voting bloc, the region cannot form a government on its own without strategic alliances. She warned that political betrayal and internal divisions could isolate the community from national influence.
“We may have the numbers, but numbers alone cannot build a government. If Mt Kenya becomes known for breaking agreements, other communities will simply walk away from us,” she noted.
Waiguru reiterated that reneging on the original pact made during Uhuru Kenyatta’s first term could have long-term political consequences for the region. In a pointed critique, she said Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment had weakened his political standing and diminished his ability to effectively represent Mt Kenya’s interests.
“Leadership is about direction and credibility. You cannot lead people when you have lost both. Mt Kenya must be careful not to follow leaders who have no clear political path,” she added.
Using a metaphor, Waiguru urged residents to remain loyal to the current administration despite challenges. “You do not abandon the house you built simply because it is raining. You stay, fix the roof, and move forward together,” she said.
Waiguru, who has recently skipped key meetings of the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), clarified her political stance, distancing herself from Gachagua’s faction. “I am on the side of government. I am on the side of development. I cannot join politics of anger, confusion, and endless fights,” she stated.
Her remarks signal a growing realignment within Mt Kenya politics, positioning Waiguru as a prominent regional voice backing President Ruto’s 2027 re-election campaign.
