Waiguru Urges Mt Kenya to Honour ‘Kumi ya Ruto’ Pact, Warns Against Political Betrayal

By : Mweru Mbugua

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has called on the Mt Kenya community to remain united and honour past political commitments, warning that internal divisions and broken agreements could weaken the region’s influence on the national stage

Speaking on Saturday during the launch of the Mutithi Health Centre maternity wing in Mwea, Waiguru emphasized that Mt Kenya’s political relevance depends on unity and trust, particularly in its relationship with President William Ruto’s administration

The governor reminded residents of the political understanding reached during former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s tenure, popularly referred to as “Yangu kumi, ya Ruto kumi,” stressing that credibility in politics is built on keeping one’s word

“Uhuru himself said ‘yangu kumi, ya Ruto kumi’. As Mt Kenya, we must honour our promise. Politics is about trust, and once you break trust, no one takes you seriously again,” Waiguru said

She cautioned that despite Mt Kenya’s large voter base, the region cannot form a government on its own without strategic alliances. Waiguru warned that political betrayal and infighting could isolate the community from potential partners

“We may have the numbers, but numbers alone cannot build a government. If Mt Kenya becomes known for breaking agreements, other communities will simply walk away from us,” she noted

In a pointed attack on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Waiguru said his impeachment had eroded his political standing and reduced his ability to effectively champion the region’s interests

“Leadership is about direction and credibility. You cannot lead people when you have lost both. Mt Kenya must be careful not to follow leaders who have no clear political path,” she said

The governor also urged residents not to abandon the current administration during challenging times, using a metaphor to underscore the need for patience and collective responsibility

“You do not abandon the house you built simply because it is raining. You stay, fix the roof, and move forward together,” Waiguru told the gathering

 Also read : Over 250 Workers Left Jobless as Nakuru Tea Factory Shuts Down Over Impassable Roads

Her remarks come amid rising political temperatures in the Mt Kenya region as leaders reposition themselves ahead of future national contests, with loyalty to President Ruto emerging as a major point of contention

Kirinyaga Central MP Gachoki Gitari defended Waiguru, praising her development record and growing national stature. He suggested that her rising profile has unsettled some political figures

“I have been following your work closely, and the results speak for themselves. Many second-term governors relax and wait for their term to end, but you have continued to deliver,” Gitari said

He added that Waiguru’s increasing influence at the national level has made some leaders uneasy

“Now that you are a true daughter of the mountain, you are making some men sleepless. They feel threatened because they know you can be picked as Deputy President,” he said