Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has declared her interest in securing the Deputy President’s position in the 2027 General Election, signalling her ambition to move into national leadership after completing her second term as governor.


Waiguru made her intentions clear on Friday while endorsing her County Executive Committee Member for Cooperatives, Trade and Tourism, Calvert Njeru, to contest the Kirinyaga Senate seat.


The governor dismissed suggestions that she should pursue the Senate position, describing such a move as a step backwards in her political career. Instead, she indicated that her focus was on securing a place at the national leadership table.


“There were those suggesting that I vie for the Senate seat, but I said, ‘msinirudishe nyuma tafadhali, twende tukipanda,’” Waiguru said, expressing her desire to advance rather than return to another elective position at the county level.


Waiguru Cites Proximity to Ruto

The governor pointed to her presence alongside President William Ruto during key national and international engagements as evidence of her positioning within the administration.


She referenced accompanying the President during engagements in New York and at the United Nations, suggesting that her involvement in national affairs reflects her broader leadership ambitions.


Waiguru has consistently maintained her support for Ruto and dismissed speculation that she could join the political camp associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.


Her latest declaration adds to the growing competition among political leaders seeking influence in the formation of the ruling coalition’s presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.


Poll Places Waiguru Among Leading Female Contenders

Waiguru’s ambitions come amid growing public debate over the possibility of Kenya having its first female Deputy President.


A Politrack Africa survey published on October 1 placed Waiguru at 36 per cent among respondents asked which woman they would prefer for the position. Former Justice Minister Martha Karua followed at 27 per cent, while Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga received 15 per cent.


The findings offer an indication of public preferences but do not determine who will ultimately be selected as Ruto’s running mate. That decision will depend on political negotiations, coalition interests and the President’s choice.


Kirinyaga Central MP Gachoki Gitari has also publicly backed Waiguru, urging First Lady Rachel Ruto to convey his support for her candidacy to the President.


The endorsements are likely to strengthen discussions about gender representation in the country’s highest political offices as parties and potential allies begin positioning themselves ahead of the polls.


Governor Questions Opposition Unity

Beyond her own ambitions, Waiguru questioned whether opposition leaders would manage to unite behind a single presidential candidate capable of mounting a serious challenge against Ruto in 2027.


She argued that competing presidential ambitions and disagreements among opposition supporters could undermine efforts to form a united political front.


Her remarks come as opposition figures continue discussions over possible alliances, while leaders within the broad-based political arrangement negotiate their positions ahead of the next election.


The contest is expected to involve negotiations over regional representation, party influence and the selection of candidates for key national offices.


What Next for Waiguru?

Having served two terms as Kirinyaga governor, Waiguru is positioning herself for a role beyond county leadership. Her open interest in the Deputy President’s position places her among the figures to watch as political alignments take shape.


However, the running-mate contest remains unsettled, with other leaders and political parties also expressing interest in influencing Ruto’s 2027 ticket.


Whether Waiguru’s political positioning translates into an official nomination will depend on decisions and negotiations still ahead of the election.


For now, her declaration signals that she intends to remain a key player in Kenya’s national politics after leaving the governor’s office.


HAMASTA MEDIA