Anne Waiguru unpacks 2022 plans for Kirinyaga governor seat

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru. [Kibata Kihu, Standard]

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru says it is still early to decide which route she will take in the 2022 general election.

She is serving her first term and the constitution allows a governor to serve two terms before they can seek a different seat.

County woman representative Purity Ngirici has declared her interest in removing Waiguru in the next polls.

She is a supporter of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) associated with Deputy President William Ruto.

Asked whether she would join UDA, Waiguru said “It is not the right time to make such a statement. I can’t say I will, or will not … it is unlikely.”

She was speaking on Spice FM’s Situation Room today.

“It is a bit early, let’s see what the ground looks like … and which seat I want to go for.”

On June 9, the Kirinyagah assembly voted to impeach Waiguru, accusing her of gross violation of the Constitution, abuse of office and gross misconduct. However, the Senate later overturned the impeachment.

During the hearing, she blamed the Members of the  County Assembly for impeaching her on non-existent evidence and malicious claims which cannot be verified.

While appearing before the 11-member committee chaired by Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala, Waiguru lashed at the MCAs for using malicious and ‘minor administrative issues’ that should be solved internally.

Waiguru was accused of gross violation of the constitution, violations under written law, undermining the authority of county assembly and abuse of office.

In July, ward representatives allied to the governor were kicked out of the assembly for allegedly causing disorder in the House.

The Assembly’s Powers and Privileges Committee expelled MCAs Patrick Chomba (Kabare), Anthony Munene (Karumande) and Lucy Njeri (nominated) for four, five and six months respectively, claiming they created disorder and used unparliamentary language during the debate on the motion to impeach the governor.

“The truth of the matter is that we are being fought for standing with Waiguru during the impeachment," said Chomba.

But speaking on Spice FM today, Waiguru said she will follow the will of the people.

“I cannot be ignorant and go against the will of the people. I cannot vote for myself [and win the election].”

She went on, “I am listening very keenly to what it is that they want.”

The governor added that in politics, the electorate votes with the wave, and not necessarily the person's track record while in office.