I’m ready to take over Kirinyaga County leadership, says Anne Waiguru

Former Devolution Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru Saturday made a triumphant entry into Kerugoya Town in her bid to declare that she will be vying for Kirinyaga governor’s seat in the 2017 elections.

Ms Waiguru told the residents in her home turf that she was ready to take over the region’s leadership.

Accompanied by businesswoman Wangui Ngirici, who is eyeing the county woman representative’s seat, and the outspoken director of Ndima Tea factory John Mithama, the former CS called on the residents to support her.

She promised to serve all residents without discrimination should they vote for her in the 2017 elections.

“If you elect me, I will serve you well and ensure that all hospitals are well equipped and roads are in good shape,” she said amid loud applause.

Ms Waiguru said she was impressed by the welcome she received from the residents and promised to help them initiate development projects which can benefit them.

“When I was the CS, I initiated and completed many projects in all the 47 counties.

“I am a performer and I know I will transform Kirinyaga into an economic hub,” she said.

Ms Waiguru was emphatic that she had all it takes to win adding that there will be no retreat.

TOUR COUNTY

“I had just come to inform you that I am in the race for the governor’s seat. Very soon I will be touring all corners of the county,” she said.

Ms Waiguru recollected how she went through serious tribulations when she was the CS but overcame.

“I am a fighter and I will fight for you to get development,” she said.

Her formal entry into politics has catapulted the county to national scrutiny as the once former powerful CS prepares what will undoubtedly be a baptism of fire in her quest to become the governor.

Her entry now puts into sharp focus the Ndia, Gichugu rivalry in Kirinyaga political equation.

The award of a gold medal certificate to Ms Waiguru by TNA in its dying days, in a highly choreographed media fanfare on Friday, puts into sharp focus her benefactors from the national scene.

Ms Waiguru left government in November 2015 in what she termed as advice from her doctor to seek “lighter duties” having enjoyed unparalleled power as CS since the formation of the Jubilee cabinet in mid-2013.

Her public appearances were muted until February this year when reports emerged she may contest the Nairobi governor’s seat.

She will be running on a Jubilee Party ticket and this is likely to complicate matters for the incumbent Joseph Ndathi and Kirinyaga Central MP Joseph Gitari, who also wants to run for the seat.