Waiguru urges Mt. Kenya to pay 'Two Terms' debt as she rallies region behind Ruto

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has intensified calls for the re-election of President William Ruto, urging the Mt Kenya region to honour political commitments made during former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s tenure.

Speaking during a homecoming and thanksgiving ceremony held in honour of Nyeri Woman Representative Rahab Mukami following her election as President of the Women’s Caucus of the Pan-African Parliament, Waiguru warned that the region risked political isolation if it failed to uphold its earlier pledge to support Ruto’s presidency.

Waiguru recalled the political understanding widely associated with the 2022 election cycle, where Mt Kenya leaders and voters pledged to support Kenyatta for two terms and subsequently back Ruto for ten years. She argued that maintaining that commitment would preserve the region’s credibility and bargaining power in national politics.

“It is the former President Uhuru who said, ‘Kumi yangu, kumi ya Ruto.’ We must keep our promise. Our credibility as a community depends on keeping our word,” Waiguru said.

She added that political consistency and reliability were essential in safeguarding the region’s influence at the national level.

“A promise is a debt that must be paid. As a region, we must be known as people who keep our word. That is how we build trust and secure our place at the national table,” she said.

At the same time, the governor sought to ease tensions in the region following the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, an issue that has generated discontent among sections of Mt Kenya residents. Waiguru acknowledged the unease caused by the fallout and appealed for unity moving forward.

Her remarks were echoed by Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, who urged the region to consolidate support behind President Ruto. Kihika argued that re-electing the President would help safeguard the interests of Mt Kenya residents living and conducting business across the country by strengthening their sense of inclusion in national affairs.

Nominated Senator Veronica Maina also rallied support for the Kenya Kwanza administration, citing ongoing and completed infrastructure and development projects in the region as evidence of the government’s commitment to improving livelihoods.

“We cannot abandon a government we elected and that is already delivering for us, only to pursue an uncertain alternative,” Maina said.

She further urged voters to freely exercise their democratic rights in the next General Election without intimidation or coercion.

Taita Taveta Woman Representative Lydiah Haika said the Central region had benefited significantly from the current administration, arguing that it had received more development attention compared to some other regions, including the Coast.

The event also brought together several political leaders from across the region, including Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi, Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga and Bahati MP Irene Njoki, among others.

Beyond celebrating Mukami’s continental appointment, leaders used the gathering to signal a renewed effort to consolidate Mt Kenya’s political direction ahead of the next General Election, with repeated calls for unity, consistency and alignment with the current administration.