Waiguru tells Ngirici to accommodate newcomers

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has urged Woman Representative Wangui Ngirici to accommodate newcomers to the party.

She said UDA is a national political party and should not be treated like personal property.

Waiguru spoke on Thursday evening at her official residence in Kagio, Kirinyaga county after meeting 200 bodaboda riders who had made rounds in Kerugoya, Mwea, Kagumo and Kagio sending messages of peace.

She said her late entry to the party does not mean she should be treated like a 'backbencher', adding she should be seen as adding value to a growing party.

"This is politics and you can't mistreat me because of my late entry. As a matter of fact you have no say as far as elective seats are concerned; the electorate do! After all, isn't it captured in the parables of the Good Book that those who arrived early and late received the same payment?"

Waiguru said the party should be strengthened by bringing on board as many leaders as possible.

"We need the party to grow, and as such we need to absorb as many leaders and Kenyans as possible. I'm also calling on all my competitors to join the party so that we can help it grow," she said.

"Kirinyaga residents will choose their preffered candidate both in the nominations and next year's polls."

Waiguru's comments come days after Ngirici told Waiguru to tread carefully in the party as she was just a new comer.

Ngirici said she helped build the party from scratch and is therefore versed with its struggles.

"Those who think that they have direct access to UDA should hold their horses because they are yet to go past the kitchen door. They can't just come in until I welcome them," she said.

However, Waiguru said she shall not be cowed and will continue mounting an aggressive campaign for herself and for Deputy President William Ruto.

"We shall stay put, not be cowed and neither entertain toxic politics to  dampen our spirits. We shall remain focused and sell our agenda to the people and what we have achieved in the course of our leadership."

Waiguru noted that she will only listen to the voice of  the public and will adhere to what it shall dictate.

"After months of listening to the ground and thorough consultation, I joined UDA because the people wanted me there. I remain committed to walk with them even as I continue seeking their votes."

Waiguru dismissed as false, reports circulating on social media that Ruto has called off his Kirinyaga trip.

"Those are malicious reports. We are ready to welcome him in Kirinyaga and we want as many county residents to show up so that we can show support to him."

This comes days after Andrew Ngirici, Wangui's husband, said he will mobilise her supporters to welcome Ruto.