Waiguru: Mt Kenya should fulfil ‘Kumi ya Ruto’ promise

By Newsflash Writer

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has appealed to the Mt Kenya community to stay united and remain faithful to past political agreements.

She said cohesion is critical if the region is to maintain relevance and bargaining strength in national politics.

Speaking on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the commissioning of the maternity wing at Mutithi Health Centre in Mwea, Waiguru stressed that unity within Mt Kenya is non-negotiable, warning that fragmentation would weaken the region’s voice on the national stage.

The governor reminded residents of the political pact reached during the tenure of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, popularly framed as “Yangu kumi, ya Ruto kumi”, arguing that Mt Kenya’s political credibility hinges on honoring that agreement.

“Uhuru himself said ‘yangu kumi, ya Ruto kumi’. As Mt Kenya, we must keep our word. Politics is built on trust, and once you lose trust, nobody takes you seriously again,” Waiguru said.

Warning against political isolation

Waiguru cautioned that despite Mt Kenya’s large voting numbers, the region cannot single-handedly form a government without forging and sustaining alliances. She warned that internal divisions and perceived betrayal could leave the community isolated nationally.

“We may have the numbers, but numbers alone cannot build a government. If Mt Kenya earns a reputation for breaking agreements, other communities will simply walk away from us,” she observed.

In a pointed criticism of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Waiguru said his impeachment had badly eroded his political standing, weakening his capacity to effectively articulate and defend the region’s interests.

“Leadership is about credibility and direction. You cannot lead when you have lost both. Mt Kenya must be cautious not to rally behind leaders who lack a clear political path,” she said.

Backing the current administration

The governor also urged residents to stand by the current administration, even in challenging times, rather than retreating at the first sign of difficulty.

“You do not abandon the house you built simply because it is raining. You stay, repair the roof, and move forward together,” Waiguru told the gathering.

Her remarks come against the backdrop of rising political temperatures in the Mt Kenya region, as leaders recalibrate their positions ahead of future national contests, with loyalty to President William Ruto emerging as a major fault line.

Kirinyaga Central MP Gachoki Gitari came out strongly in defense of Waiguru, praising her development track record and growing national stature, which he suggested has unsettled some political figures.

“I have followed your work closely, and the results are clear. Many second-term governors slow down as they near the end of their tenure, but you have remained focused on delivery,” Gitari said.

He argued that Waiguru’s expanding national profile has made some leaders uneasy.

“Now that you are a true daughter of the mountain, you are giving some men sleepless nights. They feel threatened because they know you can be considered for the position of Deputy President,” he added.