As her second term as Kirinyaga Governor continues, Anne Waiguru, one of Kenya’s most prominent political figures, has firmly dismissed speculations that she will exit the political stage after 2027. During the official opening of the NCBA Kerugoya Branch, she addressed her future in politics, challenging the assumption that she would step down after her tenure as governor concludes. “There are people who have been saying the governing is finishing, then she goes home. Who told you I’m going home?” she asked, dismissing the notion with confidence.
Waiguru’s political journey has been nothing short of remarkable. First elected as governor in 2017 after serving as the Devolution Cabinet Secretary in President Uhuru Kenyatta’s first term, Waiguru made history as one of the few women to hold a governor’s seat in Kenya. Her time in the Jubilee administration set her on a trajectory toward higher political aspirations, and her influence has only grown. Waiguru, a staunch advocate for devolution and economic empowerment, has positioned herself as a key player in the political landscape of Kenya, especially in the Mount Kenya region.
Her remarks at the NCBA event revealed a self-assured leader unshaken by predictions of a political exit. When questioned about her future, Waiguru emphasized her ongoing commitment to her work and to the people of Kirinyaga County. “Do I look like someone who is going home?” she asked the audience, reinforcing her intention to continue serving beyond 2027. Her remarks not only echo her confidence but also demonstrate her refusal to be defined by any political timeline set by others.
At the NCBA Kerugoya Branch opening, she noted the significance of the bank’s expansion in Kirinyaga, highlighting the county’s economic potential. Kirinyaga’s prominence as the leading producer of Pishori rice, a crop that earns farmers over Sh25 billion annually, was central to her message. Waiguru pointed out the fertile investment opportunities in the county, noting that the rice industry makes Kirinyaga an attractive location for businesses. “We are the number one producer of aromatic rice in the region, not just in Kenya,” she stated, underscoring the county’s agricultural strength and economic vitality.
Her role in the political future of Kenya is becoming increasingly apparent. Waiguru emerged as a key contender for the position of Deputy President when speculation about the potential impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua started gaining momentum. While the political dynamics around Gachagua’s position were shifting, Waiguru’s name surfaced in discussions about who could fill the second-in-command role. According to a Tifa Research poll conducted in early October, Waiguru was the third most preferred candidate for the Deputy President role, with a 3 percent approval rating, trailing behind the eventual pick, Prof. Kithure Kindiki, who garnered 37 percent. Other notable figures in the poll included Musalia Mudavadi and Ndindi Nyoro, with Waiguru’s positioning in the survey indicating her growing influence in national politics.
Her political clout has only been reinforced by her leadership in Kirinyaga, where she has been praised for her strong governance and ability to navigate both local and national issues. As the political landscape continues to evolve, Waiguru’s resilience and her clear message that she is not leaving politics anytime soon signal that her future in Kenyan politics is far from over.
As we look toward the 2027 elections, Waiguru’s path remains uncertain, but her political star continues to rise. The road to 2027 may bring new challenges, but one thing is clear: Anne Waiguru is not going anywhere anytime soon. In a male-dominated political environment, her refusal to step aside and her continued influence make her a force to be reckoned with in Kenya’s political arena. Only time will tell where her political journey will take her, but for now, Waiguru remains focused on her term as governor and the future beyond it.
