Anne Waiguru Tells off Rigathi Gachagua Over Claims She’s Helping Divide Mount Kenya Region

• Kirinyaga governor Anne Waigiru fired a warning shot at former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua
• Gachagua had accused Waiguru of being part of politicians from Mount Kenya out to divide the region ahead of the 2027 General Election
• However, the governor termed the accusations part of the former DP’s attempt to blackmail politicians in the region into joining his camp

Kirinyaga governor Anne Waiguru has hit back at former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua, who recently accused her of being part of a plot to divide the vote-rich Mount Kenya region.

Is Gachagua intimidating politicians supporting Ruto?

Waiguru asked Gachagua to stop intimidating leaders who have chosen to align themselves with President William Ruto.

Speaking on Saturday, June 21, Waiguru insisted that the politicians in the region will choose their path.

She further noted that Mt Kenya leaders will not be coerced into supporting anyone blindly, especially through what she termed as baseless accusations.

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“We will not be forced into anyone’s camp using threats or propaganda. We know where we stand, and we will decide our political future without being blackmailed,” the governor said.

“We are not here to worship anyone or make them our god. We are planning ahead for our people, and when 2027 comes, we will lead them in the right direction,” she added.

Waiguru also accused Gachagua of meddling in affairs he does not understand. She also asked him to focus on uniting the Mount Kenya region instead of sowing division.

According to the county boss, serving her second term, she will not take instructions from individuals she referred to as political outsiders.

Waiguru defends her development track record

The governor also defended her track record, citing the resolution of the milk delivery issue at the Kirima Slopes Dairy Cooperative, which she said was handled by her administration long before Gachagua visited the county.

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“I’m not a pushover. No one becomes governor without the backing of the people,” Waiguru said.

She also reminded the public that she was the originator of the popular phrase ‘kusikiza ground,’ often used by Gachagua to emphasise the importance of listening to the mood on the ground.

During his recent visit to Mwea, Gichugu, and Kirinyaga Central constituencies, the former deputy president claimed those allied to Ruto, including Waiguru, were out to ensure the region remains divided.

He asked locals to reject all politicians from the region currently supporting the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Did Gachagua support police brutality?

Previously, TUKO.co.ke reported that the former DP had denied claims that he once supported the use of excessive force by the police during protests.

The accusations emerged after Gachagua recently called out the police over the recent wave of killings involving them. Some Kenyans, however, accused him of double-speak.

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According to Gachagua, he never encouraged the police to kill protesters while he was the second in command.

During the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests, the former DP was quoted as asking the police to stand firm against protesters.

Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke