Waiguru urges Mt Kenya voters to reject opposition ‘Empty Rhetoric’ ahead of 2027 Polls

Waiguru called on the region to support President William Ruto’s re-election bid, arguing that abandoning the government could weaken Mt Kenya’s influence in national decision-making.

Speaking at Kabaru Ward in Nyeri County during an event to support the completion of the Warazo Jet Water Irrigation Project, the governor cautioned residents against making voting decisions based on anger or political sentiments.

“Let’s go slow, let leave anger out of the elections. This time, there will be no voting on political party line, vote leaders based on their track record. Mt Kenya will not have a Presidential candidate and we are likely to have voter apathy based on voting patterns in previous polls,” she said.

Waiguru argued that the political arithmetic ahead of the 2027 elections favoured Ruto, warning that the region could lose its bargaining power if it moved into the opposition without a strong presidential candidate.

“You will not be punishing Ruto by walking out of Government, it is you who will suffer. Let’s ignore propaganda and distinguish between comedy and facts,” she said.

The governor maintained that communities that distance themselves from the government risk losing opportunities to influence national policies and development priorities.

She also expressed concern that Mt Kenya could record low voter turnout if the region lacked a formidable presidential candidate, urging residents to assess the political landscape before deciding which leaders to support.

“Ask yourself where am getting the guts to tell you President Ruto will be re-elected in 2027, it’s because I know the truth,” she said.

Waiguru said the election should focus on development, political representation and the region’s long-term economic interests rather than political emotions.

The governor’s remarks come as political leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 polls, with the future political alignment of the Mt Kenya region expected to influence the contest.

The event also focused on the Warazo Jet Water Irrigation Project, which is expected to improve access to water for domestic use and farming for more than 2,000 residents once completed.

Waiguru was hosted by Nyeri Woman Representative Rahab Mukami, who said the project would help address water shortages that have affected households and farmers in the area.

Mukami said the project had stalled and that leaders had come together to support its completion.

“We have come to push this project past the finish line. I have known that this project has stalled for a while,” she said.

The legislator said residents wanted sustainable development initiatives that would enable them to improve their livelihoods rather than rely on handouts.

“People of Nyeri do not like handouts; they like to have tangible progress that will enable them to make their own honest living,” she said.

Mukami also urged leaders to prioritise service delivery, saying residents expected elected officials to demonstrate their commitment through tangible projects.

“People of Nyeri want development, not politics 24/7,” she said.

She praised Waiguru’s leadership record and said the event demonstrated the importance of women leaders working together to advance development initiatives.

The Warazo Jet Water Irrigation Project is expected to support agricultural production and improve water access for households in the area.

Kirinyaga Central MP Gachoki Gitari and several Members of County Assembly from Kirinyaga also attended the event.