Waiguru defends support for Ruto, says it’s key to Kirinyaga development

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru./HANDOUT

Governor Anne Waiguru and other county officials during the launch of the Mwea Bulk water project on May 11, 2026/ ALICE WAITHERA

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has defended her continued support for President William Ruto and his administration, saying her position is informed by the need to secure development projects for the county.

Speaking at Wang’uru town during the launch of the Mwea Integrated Water Supply Rehabilitation and Expansion Project in Mutithi Ward and an inspection of the Wang’uru market site, Waiguru said leaders must focus on delivering tangible development to the people instead of engaging in endless politics.

The second-term governor noted that county governments cannot fully implement major development projects without support from the national government due to limited resources.

“There is no governor who can develop a county fully without support from the national government. I have decided to be strategic in what I am doing and staying in government so that I can get more resources and support to achieve the county’s development agenda,” she said.

Waiguru said politics should not be treated as a 'love affair' but rather as a platform for advancing the interests of wananchi through meaningful development projects.

She reaffirmed her support for President Ruto, saying her decision was deliberate and based on the interests of the Mt Kenya region.

“I will hold onto President Ruto without fear or shame, and I know the reason why; politics is about interest, and Ruto has our interest as people from Mt Kenya,” she said.

The governor criticised opposition leaders, whom she accused of engaging in propaganda and constant politicking without a clear development record.

“I always avoid continuous politicking without any work. I believe in working for the people first, and then the people will decide based on the work the leader has done,” she stated.

Waiguru recalled that she also worked closely with former President Uhuru Kenyatta during his administration, saying the relationship helped Kirinyaga secure key infrastructure projects, including roads.

“I was in Uhuru’s government, and that is how I brought him here. He saw muddy roads, and he had them tarmacked. I am firmly in government to ensure that Kirinyaga continues to benefit from development projects like roads, modern markets, and hospitals, among others,” Waiguru said.

She called on leaders to embrace respectful and issue-based politics focused on development instead of personal attacks and divisive rhetoric.

At the same time, the governor cautioned residents against making political decisions based on what she termed as empty promises, warning that such choices could slow down ongoing development projects in the county.

“We should not destroy our progress because of empty promises. Let not our pain cause harm,” she said, adding that continuity in leadership was important in ensuring government programmes are fully implemented.