Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru blasted former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua as she defended her decision to remain in President William Ruto’s government.
Waiguru argued that politicians should not be expected to maintain permanent friendships, adding that partnerships depend on circumstances and shared interests. She noted political alliances form around interests rather than personal affection
“Politics is about interest; it’s not a love affair,” she said.
She pointed out Gachagua’s shifting political positions and his relationship with retired President Uhuru Kenyatta. She said, “Si yeye Rigathi akiwa ndani ya serikali alikuwa anatukana Uhuru asubuhi mpaka jioni? Ati yeye sasa ndiye defender number one na akiwa kwa serikali si alikuwa anamchapa?”
Waiguru’s comments also came as Gachagua renewed attacks on her and other female leaders aligned to UDA during campaigns for the Ol Kalou by-election.
Gachagua had alleged that Waiguru and Governors Susan Kihika of Nakuru and Cecily Mbarire of Embu repeatedly returned to their vehicles to apply makeup and hide their age, claiming they aimed to attract young men. He also mocked their campaign dancing, saying young voters were not interested in watching them dance.
The remarks drew widespread condemnation from women’s groups and other leaders, with critics accusing the former deputy president of making derogatory statements about women in leadership. In her response, Waiguru revisited the issue and asked Gachagua to clarify whether his criticism of her appearance held merit.
“Wewe Rigathi unasema najipaka rangi,” she said.
She reiterated her earlier position that political alliances should be judged by the interests they advance, rather than by personal loyalty. “I have said countless times, politics is about interest; it’s not a love affair,” she added.
Waiguru Tells Mt Kenya Residents: Don’t Look for Angels in Politics
Waiguru also cautioned Mt Kenya residents against expecting perfection from politicians, saying leaders are not saints and should not be treated as flawless.
“There are no angels in politics, and politics is not a church. If you go looking, you won’t find anyone without flaws, so don’t start looking for angels. They don’t exist; there are no angels. Everybody has fallen short of the glory of God,” she said.
The governor said she would remain in President Ruto’s government, arguing that her choice reflects what she views as the interests of Kirinyaga and the wider Mt. Kenya region.
“I’ll tell you this for free: I want to tell you that I’m in the government, and I’m not leaving,” she said.
During an event in her county, Waiguru also warned residents not to take their long-standing proximity to government for granted. She said the region has benefited from involvement in successive administrations, adding that her comparison pointed to how people who grow up without hardship can come to assume life will always remain comfortable.
She challenged residents to compare development in Kirinyaga with neighbouring counties, particularly in infrastructure.
“Here in Kirinyaga, there are tarmac roads everywhere. Go to the neighbouring counties and see what it’s like there,” she said.
