I’ve never been out of government – Waiguru

The governor vowed not to join the opposition saying being in government, she could develop the county.

Speaking on Tuesday, Governor Waiguru said political dynamics in the country have greatly shifted.

“In my life, I have never been out of government, I have never. Even before I vied, I was not out of government and 2027 is not the time when I will be out of government. I will be in government,” Waiguru said.

She said Kenyans will witness a different political energy in the country in 2027.

“Nowadays, politics is not about talking, incitement and abuse. Kenyans are only speaking one language of development," she said.

The governor called out Mt Kenya leaders who are shifting to oppose the government.

Waiguru was speaking when she opened a new health facility in Baragwi Ward to benefit more than 5,000 residents.

Kiandai Dispensary which was opened will bring relief to more beneficiaries who have all along sought medical care in facilities located far from them.

While opening the dispensary, Governor Waiguru said that the initiative was a fulfilment of her administration’s promise to provide quality, affordable, and accessible primary health services to the county residents.

Some of the villages to be served by the new facility include Kiandai, Kiaruri, Kiangurwe, Ngenya, Githage, Rwathae, Ndu-ini, and Thimu, whose residents would at times travel more than 5 kilometres to the nearest health facilities, such as Kianyaga, Kabare, or Gatugura.

“The opening of Kiandai Dispensary marks a significant step towards our Universal Health Coverage goals and becomes a valuable resource for the area residents in that it will also save them the costs incurred in search of services,” the governor said.

Waiguru served as the first Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Devolution and Planning.

Before that, she was the Director of integrated Financial Management and Information Systems (IFMIS), and the head of the governance Unit, at the Treasury, in the Ministry of Finance.

She also chaired the Council of Governors from 2022 to October 2024.

Waiguru also served as the Alternate to the Permanent Secretary/Treasury (PS/T) in the Public Procurement Oversight Authority Advisory Board and as the alternate to the PS/T on the Women Enterprise Fund Board.

Waiguru was elected Governor of Kirinyaga County for the first time in 2017.

During her first term in office, she undertook vigorous healthcare reforms and constructed the Kerugoya Medical Complex, markets, dispensaries and health centres.