Waiguru rallies Coast support for Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has intensified her campaign for the re-election of President William Ruto, calling on Kenyans to give the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) a first-round victory in the 2027 presidential election. Waiguru said the opposition will be no match for President Ruto in the upcoming polls, adding that the “two-term” campaign is gaining momentum due to overwhelming support from Kenyans. The second-term governor, who took the Ruto re-election campaign to Kwale in the Coast region, said the President enjoys strong support across all regions. “This is only the beginning. We are going around the country to ensure President Ruto wins in the first round because the opposition has no plan for Kenyans apart from politics,” she said. Waiguru also urged Kenyans to reject divisive and tribal politics, which she alleged are being advanced by the opposition. Speaking during a women’s empowerment programme in Mavumbo Ward, Kwale County, Waiguru reaffirmed her loyalty to the ruling UDA party and dismissed speculation suggesting she was planning to exit. “I remain firmly in UDA and firmly in government. We are focused on supporting President Ruto because he is developing Kenya equally without discrimination,” she said. Waiguru further clarified recent media reports linking her to an apology directed at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua following his impeachment, saying her remarks had been twisted for political gain. “I never apologised to any individual. I only said that if there are people who felt wronged by the government, then we regret that feeling. That should not be twisted into politics,” she said. She added that President Ruto has demonstrated commitment to equitable development across the country and urged Kenyans to remain patient as the government implements its development agenda. “The President has a plan for this country, and we can already see development reaching every part of Kenya at a good pace. Progress takes time, and wananchi should give him the opportunity to fully implement his agenda,” Waiguru said. The Kirinyaga governor also drummed up support for Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani, praising her leadership and development record in the county. “I have been to Kwale before and witnessed the transformation Governor Achani has achieved, from the oncology centre to her outstanding investment in ECDE. She has proven that women are capable leaders and she deserves a second term,” she said. Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani, in her remarks, noted that Waiguru was now ready for a bigger national leadership role after serving in various senior government positions. “She has served as Cabinet Secretary, Governor, and became the first female Chairperson of the Council of Governors. She has distinguished herself nationally and deserves an even greater leadership role in future,” Achani said. Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir also rallied support for President Ruto and Governor Achani, saying cooperation between ODM and UDA leaders had accelerated development and legislative processes that directly benefit ordinary Kenyans. “President Ruto has supported development at the Coast in a big way, and cooperation between ODM and UDA has helped leaders pass laws that ease the burden on wananchi, including measures touching on fuel prices. Those in the opposition want the country to fail so that they can gain political mileage,” Nassir said. Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Hassan Ali Joho reiterated support for President Ruto, while maintaining that ODM leaders remain committed to working together for the country’s development. “We are supporting President Ruto because leadership is about working together for Kenyans. Since appointing me as Cabinet Secretary, the President has shown commitment to ensuring mining becomes a major source of income for residents of the Coast,” Joho said. Joho further noted that the Coast region also has capable leaders who could pursue national leadership in the future. Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot urged Kwale residents to continue supporting the government, saying the Kenya Kwanza administration is committed to equitable development across all regions. “We want every part of Kenya to benefit equally from development regardless of how they voted. Some people in the opposition wanted government projects treated like shares in a company reserved for certain regions only, but we believe in equitable development for all Kenyans,” Cheruiyot said. The event brought together national and county leaders from across the country, with speakers using the platform to rally support for President Ruto’s re-election bid while calling for unity and continued support for women’s leadership.