Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru on Tuesday narrated to Deputy President William Ruto how her family warned her of dire political consequences if she does not join the “hustler nation”.
Waiguru said her mother and son were reminding her of the hustler movement wave in Mt Kenya region every morning, and that the bottom-up economic model was resonating well with Kenyans.
She spoke at DP Ruto's Karen residence in Nairobi when she decamped from President Uhuru Kenyatta's Jubilee Party to Ruto's UDA.
“My mother told me 'keep moving around, but we have already moved to Ruto’s side'. [My] last-born son, while having breakfast with me sometime back, told me, 'Mum, you know we are hustlers?'"
"Only a fool can continue in the same path with this kind of pressure. You must listen to the people,” an insider who attended the closed-door meeting told the Star.
A month ago, Governor Waiguru said she would listen to the people and consult extensively with the electorate before making a decision on her political path.
“I can not try to be ignorant and go against my people. I can't vote myself in. I am listening to what they want. Do they want me to run for governor a second term?” she posed.
Waiguru also hinted at an exodus by some Jubilee’s Kieleweke faction leaders, whom she said will soon join the hustler movement.
''The Bible says when you lack wisdom you ask for it. I have asked for it and I have listened and checked with many members seated here," Waiguru said.
"I have asked if it is betrayal if I moved but the message that I was given by everybody is that in politics, you must be very careful to stay relevant and listen to the people,” she said.
Waiguru said she was under pressure from supporters who booed and heckled her during public events for going against them.
“People never waited for me to talk in meetings. They would start shouting me down severally. It was tough and humiliating. They told me you must push the wheelbarrow or you will go home, we do not care about your development,” she said.
The first-term governor said those who doubted the popularity and the love the people of Mt Kenya have for the DP should watch how Ruto was received warmly during Mashujaa Day celebrations.
Once a staunch supporter of the President and the BBI process, Waiguru said her move was honest and informed by pressure from people at the grassroots.
“During Mashujaa [Day], we saw it all. The signs were clear on where our leadership is heading. Sisi tumeamua, tumevuka. Form ni hustler, mpango ni bottom-up (We have decided to cross over, the real deal is hustler nation and the plan is bottom-up). We are joining UDA because of what it stands for,” she said.
The governor who in the height of campaigns for the botched Buildings Bridges Initiative said “you can rent a Kikuyu but you cannot buy one” in what was seen as targeting Ruto, said it is only through the new economic plan that poverty will be fought in Kenya.
Her move to join the DP's camp exposed growing fears among Jubilee politicians from Mt Kenya that they won't be able to secure the numbers in the general election next year to retain their seats.
Ruto has intensified his 2022 campaigns across the country and has been meeting sections of political elders and small-scale business people at his Karen home.
He is seeking to turn the tables on Uhuru who has endorsed his handshake partner, ODM leader Raila Odinga, as his preferred candidate.
On his part, Ruto lauded Waiguru and the people of Kirinyaga for her move.
“It is a difficult but bold political decision. It will shape the future of our country,” Ruto said.
The DP said Kenya will easily be transformed when leaders work together, adding that the energy and focus that leaders used to form Jubilee Party will be used in building UDA.
“We do not have the luxury of hate and division. We need everyone on board to confront our challenges,” he said.
He added that UDA was keen on having more women in political leadership, assuring aspirants of fair and just competition in the party.
“We will ensure there is an environment conducive for women to seek leadership in our country".
“There is space to accommodate everyone in UDA. Let us embrace competition because it brings the best in us,” he said.
Waiguru is expected to face off with Kirinyaga Woman Representative Wangui Ngirici, who has declared her interest in the governor seat.
Ngirici has been a fierce critic of Waiguru and a close ally of the DP.
At hand to receive Waiguru were MPs George Kariuki (Ndia), Aisha Jumwa (Malindi), Senator Susan Kihika (Nakuru), Rigathi Gachagua (Mathira) and Kimani Ichung’wah (Kikuyu).
Gachagua told Waiguru to prepare for a tough race ahead.
“They (government) will harass you. But stay firm and continue serving the people of Kirinyaga,” he said.
Edited by EKibii
