Hundreds of women from Kirinyaga County have publicly endorsed their governor, Anne Waiguru, as the most suitable candidate for Deputy President. Their call comes amid growing speculation about Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s political future, with talks of potential impeachment gaining momentum. These women, representing various communities from all 20 wards in the county, urged President William Ruto to reciprocate their unwavering support in the 2022 general election by appointing Waiguru as the next Deputy President, should such an opportunity arise. Their argument is rooted in the belief that Kenya is ready for a female Deputy President, a position Waiguru, with her transformative leadership record, is well-equipped to hold.
A Call for Reciprocity: The Promise to Mt. Kenya Region
The women’s plea to President Ruto is based on a long-standing relationship between the Mt. Kenya region and the current administration. In the run-up to the 2022 elections, the region, and particularly Kirinyaga, was a key stronghold for President Ruto, providing significant political capital that helped secure his victory. Now, these women are asking the President to return the favor by ensuring the Deputy President’s seat remains in Mt. Kenya but this time, given to a woman.
Mary Nyawira, one of the community leaders who spoke during the meeting held in Kutus town, stated, “As residents of the Mountain and Kirinyaga, we fully supported President Ruto in 2022 and we are asking him that should that opportunity arise, he should reciprocate our support by giving us Waiguru as the Deputy President.”
Nyawira’s sentiments echo the broader concerns of many in the region who fear losing political influence should Gachagua be impeached. They argue that if such a scenario occurs, appointing Waiguru as Deputy President would not only maintain the region’s influence but also advance the cause of gender equality in national leadership.
Kenya’s Readiness for a Woman Deputy President
The endorsement of Anne Waiguru signals a shift in the political narrative around gender in Kenyan politics. While Kenya has made significant strides in increasing women’s representation in politics, the country has yet to elect a female president or deputy president. The women in Kirinyaga see Waiguru as the ideal candidate to break this glass ceiling.
Nyawira emphasized that the country is “ripe for a woman Deputy President” and that Waiguru represents a “sure bet” for the position. Waiguru’s track record as the Governor of Kirinyaga, where she has spearheaded numerous economic empowerment programs, was highlighted as evidence of her ability to lead on a national scale.
“If she has done it in Kirinyaga, she can as well do it in the entire country,” Nyawira added, pointing to Waiguru’s efforts in uplifting households through transformational leadership. She further argued that Waiguru’s focus on the socio-economic empowerment of women and children in Kirinyaga could be expanded to benefit the entire nation.
Waiguru’s Political Journey: From Cabinet Secretary to Governor
Anne Waiguru’s rise in Kenya’s political landscape has been meteoric. Beginning her career as a technocrat, Waiguru first entered the political spotlight as the Cabinet Secretary for Devolution and Planning under President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration. In this role, she oversaw several key projects, including the much-lauded National Youth Service (NYS) reforms, although her tenure was also marred by a major corruption scandal, which she survived politically despite immense pressure.
Her resilience and determination led her to vie for the governorship of Kirinyaga in 2017, a position she won decisively. As governor, Waiguru has focused on improving the lives of her constituents through initiatives aimed at economic empowerment, particularly for women. Her administration has also focused on improving healthcare services, infrastructure, and agriculture, key pillars of the county’s economy.
In 2022, Waiguru retained her seat as governor, further cementing her status as a political heavyweight in the Mt. Kenya region. Her influence within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, which is led by President Ruto, has only grown, making her a central figure in national politics.
The Impeachment Factor: What’s Next for Rigathi Gachagua?
The push for Waiguru to ascend to the position of Deputy President is closely tied to the potential impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua. Although Gachagua has played a pivotal role in rallying support for President Ruto, his tenure has been marred by controversy, including accusations of corruption and allegations of undermining the President’s agenda.
While the impeachment talks are still in their infancy, they have gained traction within certain political circles, particularly those who feel that Gachagua’s leadership style is divisive. If such a move were to succeed, it would create a political vacuum that Waiguru’s supporters are eager to see filled by one of their own.
The Gender Agenda: A Promise Unfulfilled?
In the lead-up to the 2022 elections, President Ruto made a promise to appoint a female Deputy President in the future, signaling his commitment to gender equality in leadership. While this promise was not fulfilled in 2022, the women in Kirinyaga are now asking the President to honor it by appointing Waiguru should the opportunity present itself.
Kenya has long grappled with the issue of gender representation in political leadership. The 2010 Constitution introduced a two-thirds gender rule, which mandates that no more than two-thirds of elective or appointive bodies should be of the same gender. However, the rule has yet to be fully implemented in many areas, including the National Assembly.
By endorsing Waiguru, the women in Kirinyaga are not only advocating for one of their own but also pushing for a broader agenda of gender inclusivity in Kenya’s highest offices. They believe that Waiguru’s appointment would mark a significant step toward achieving the constitutional promise of gender parity.
Conclusion: A New Chapter in Kenya’s Political Landscape?
The endorsement of Anne Waiguru as Deputy President by women from her home county of Kirinyaga represents a significant moment in Kenya’s political landscape. It highlights the growing demand for gender equality in leadership and the belief that women, too, can hold the highest offices in the land.
As political developments around Rigathi Gachagua’s potential impeachment unfold, the question of who might succeed him, should such an event transpire, remains speculative. However, Waiguru’s supporters are clear in their conviction: they see her as the future of Kenya’s leadership and are calling on President Ruto to honor his promise and appoint a woman to the second-highest office in the land.
Whether or not Waiguru ultimately ascends to the position of Deputy President, the conversation surrounding her endorsement reflects a broader shift in Kenyan politics—one that increasingly acknowledges the importance of women in national leadership and the vital role they can play in shaping the country’s future.
