“There Will Be No Kikuyu In Power For Next 30 Years” Mt Kenya Governor Says, Details

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has cautioned the Agikuyu community against supporting the opposition ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election, arguing that such a decision could limit the community’s chances of participating in national leadership for decades.

Speaking to residents in Mwea on Friday, October 9, Waiguru expressed confidence in President William Ruto’s political support across the country. She questioned the opposition’s ability to unite and secure victory in the next presidential election.

“And I can tell you, for the next thirty years, there will be no Kikuyu in leadership. And I can tell you, because I can tell you without fear or favour, the opposition is not going to win,” she stated.

Waiguru maintained that her comments reflected her assessment of the country’s political situation. She also claimed that Ruto enjoyed considerable support across Kenya’s 47 counties, citing an internal assessment conducted by her team.

“Out of 47 counties, nilifanya watu wangu wachukue kalamu na karatasi. Thirty-five counties are with William Ruto,” she said, suggesting that the President’s support extended beyond his traditional political strongholds.

The governor also warned against assuming that votes from Nairobi, Kiambu and Nakuru automatically belonged to the Agikuyu community. She noted that these areas have diverse populations whose political preferences cannot be determined solely by ethnic identity.

Referring to the 2022 presidential election, Waiguru pointed out that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga received support in parts of the Mount Kenya region, demonstrating that voting patterns can change between elections.

She further questioned the opposition’s ability to form a united coalition, arguing that disagreements among some leaders at the county level raised concerns about their capacity to cooperate nationally.

Her remarks come amid political divisions within the Mount Kenya region, where former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has emerged as a vocal critic of Ruto’s administration. Gachagua has accused the President of sidelining the region and has opposed his re-election bid.

The divisions were also reflected in the Ol Kalou by-election, where a candidate associated with Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party defeated the United Democratic Alliance candidate, according to the report.

Waiguru’s comments have added to the debate over the region’s political future and the alliances its leaders may pursue ahead of the 2027 elections. However, her prediction about the community’s representation over the next three decades remains a political opinion rather than an established outcome.

https://peopledaily.digital/inside-politics/waiguru-there-will-be-no-kikuyu-in-leadership-for-the-next-30-years