After apologising over Gachagua's impeachment, Waiguru urges Mt Kenya to pay 'tutam' debt
Politics
By
Patrick Vidija
| May 14, 2026
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has intensified calls for the re-election of President William Ruto, saying Mt Kenya should honour its past political commitments.
Waiguru on Wednesday said the region risks being isolated for betraying President Ruto should it fail to honour the political pact made during former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s tenure.
The governor reminded residents of the region’s widely expressed commitment to support former President Uhuru Kenyatta for two terms and thereafter back Ruto for ten years, arguing that keeping that promise would earn the region respect nationally.
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“It is the former President Uhuru who said, 'Kumi yangu, kumi ya Ruto,' we must keep our promise. Our credibility as a community depends on keeping our word,” Waiguru said.
Her sentiments come a day after she publicly apologised to the Mount Kenya region over the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Waiguru, who appears to be rethinking her political stand, claimed that the impeachment had rubbed residents the wrong way and had complicated President William Ruto's support in the region.
The governor did not criticise Gachagua or the opposition but urged Mt Kenya residents to embrace development.
Speaking in Kandongu on Monday while commissioning clean piped water to parts of Mwea West residents, Waiguru said that Kenyans should blame lawmakers who voted for the impeachment of Gachagua.
She claimed that the ouster triggered bitter politics in Mt Kenya region.
The governor absolved herself from blame, saying that she regrets the impeachment but was not involved at all.
“I was not involved with the impeachment of Gachagua. His ouster has brought a lot of bitter politics in Mt Kenya region,” Waiguru said.
And on Wednesday, while speaking during the homecoming and thanksgiving ceremony in honour of Nyeri Women Representative Rahab Mukami, following her election as President of Women’s Caucus of the Pan African Parliament, Waiguru said the region must remain consistent and trustworthy in its political dealings by honouring promises it made during the last election cycle.
“A promise is a debt that must be paid. As a region, we must be known as people who keep our word. That is how we build trust and secure our place at the national table,” she said.
Her sentiments were echoed by her Nakuru counterpart, Susan Kihika, who emphasised the importance of consolidating support for President Ruto.
Kihika noted that re-electing Ruto would help safeguard the interests of Mt Kenya people living and doing business across the country, strengthening their sense of inclusion and security within the broader national fabric.
Nominated Senator Veronica Maina also rallied the region behind the President, pointing to what she described as tangible development gains under his administration.
She cited ongoing and completed mega projects in the region as evidence of the government’s commitment to improving livelihoods.
“We cannot abandon a government we elected, and that is already delivering for us, only to pursue an uncertain alternative,” she said, urging voters to remain steadfast.
Maina further called on the electorate to exercise their democratic rights freely in the upcoming General Election, encouraging them to use their vote to elect leaders of their choice without intimidation or coercion.
Taita Taveta Woman Representative, Lydiah Haika, said the Central region had enjoyed the fruits of the current government more than other regions, including the Coast.