Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru says the Mt Kenya region will stand behind President William Ruto's 2027 re-election bid. She told residents of Kisii town on Wednesday that the region has embraced the 'Tutam' slogan. The slogan signals continued support for the President. According to The Star, she dismissed claims of growing political discontent in the Mountain.
Waiguru spoke on the final day of Ruto's four-day development tour of Kisii and Nyamira counties. She said the region was "not moving from there" and backed Ruto "because he has worked." In Kirinyaga, she said, the message is that work will speak.
The governor urged the Kisii crowd to judge the government on its record ahead of the 2027 general election. She listed roads, a polytechnic, a KMTC campus and markets she had seen in the town. She then asked the Gusii community directly to give Ruto a second term.
Waiguru thanked Ruto for what she called his effort to "equalise Kenya." She said the development seen in Kirinyaga and Murang'a had also reached Kisii. She tied this to the slogan "Usawa ni sawa" and said Mt Kenya would keep repeating it "until they hear."
She also criticised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua without naming him, calling him a man "full of hatred." The Star reported that she accused him of arrogance towards the Gusii community. She objected to remarks suggesting Kisii people were only useful for providing votes.
Waiguru described the Gusii as in-laws and important partners of Mt Kenya. She said Mt Kenya people also love Kalenjins, Luhyas, Luos and people from the Coast. "We are not tribalists. We are not going to allow Kenya to be divided on the basis of tribalism," she said.
Waiguru is one of Ruto's key political allies in Mt Kenya. The Star's report did not include a response from Gachagua.