Waiguru Stands A High Chance Of Clinching The Running Mate Slot In 2027
The Mt Kenya Times 
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru. PHOTO/Courtesy
By: Joseph Mutua Ndonga
Worth Noting:
- Besides his camp, the other two camps are led by Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro and Kirinyaga Governor Ann Mumbi Waiguru.
- To me, the latter stands a high chance of clinching the running mate slot if the recent proposal by President William Ruto sails through.
- Speaking during an event organized by women caucuses to celebrate the election of women governors, the President minced no word in reiterating that gender equality stood out as one of the key pillars of the UDA manifesto.
- So, moving forward, my proposal is that the constitution should be amended to create a joint ticket of male-female.
I have been following with keen interest the unfolding political developments in Mount Kenya region.
I’m sure many would agree with me that the Mountain is currently split in three major political camps.
One coalesces around the Deputy President (DP) Rigathi Gachagua. As per the law, the DP is the senior-most leader from this region.
But with due respect, allow me to say that this does not guarantee him the ticket to retain the position of running mate in 2027.
As of now, the law is on the side of the President. The prerogative to pick the running mate lies squarely with him.
So, I’m persuaded to believe Dr Ruto will first listen to ground and thereafter pick the most popular candidate in this region.
This brings me to the question. Is Gachagua calling the shot in this region?
One can therefore understand why he is leaving nothing to chance in putting the best foot forward.
It is worth noting no opinion poll had been conducted when he was picked as a running as running mate.
Besides his camp, the other two camps are led by Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro and Kirinyaga Governor Ann Mumbi Waiguru.
To me, the latter stands a high chance of clinching the running mate slot if the recent proposal by President William Ruto sails through.
Speaking during an event organized by women caucuses to celebrate the election of women governors, the President minced no word in reiterating that gender equality stood out as one of the key pillars of the UDA manifesto.
So, moving forward, my proposal is that the constitution should be amended to create a joint ticket of male-female.
If this come to pass, it would mean if the party nominates a man to run as a presidential candidate then a woman would automatically become a running mate.
Kirinyaga Governor Ann Waiguru, who was one of the key speakers, immediately echoed his sentiments.
Putting aside constitutional imperative of two-thirds gender rule, she recalled that the women of Kenya had played a pivotal role during the campaign in ensuring you have won the 2022 presidential election.
As women leaders, we are proud of having drafted a well thought out strategy that made that a reality.
After the President made his point clear, I would have expected the women leaders to take advantage of his support and goodwill to push for a gender friendly presidential ticket.
The other day a friend of mine told me. The women of Kenya have not been coming out strongly to fight their democratic space.
As we know, the UDA is currently holding its nationwide grassroots elections. This will culminate to the National Delegates Conference (NDC) which will play two key roles: Election of national office bearers of the UDA party and consider the proposals presented for the amendment of the party constitution.
So this is the right time for the women to take the campaign a notch higher and announce that they will present this proposal during NDC.
My friend added: As of now, we have two senior-most women leaders and I’m sure if that amendment sails through the President will pick one of them as a running mate.
These are governors Ann Waiguru and Gladys Wanga. Waiguru stands a high chance because she hails from Mount Kenya region.
This is region that gave President Ruto the highest number of votes and so he knows it will be a serious blow if he loses this bloc.
To retain it, he has to pick a running mate from this region.
In light of this, my advise to Governor Ann Waiguru would be. Ignite the debate on male-female ticket and keep the fire burning.
My friend further noted: The women of Kenya have come a long way. They know they have what it takes to lead this country. What a man can do they can do better. So, I would expect them to rally behind one of their own. During the UDA NDC, I’m sure Governor Waiguru and other women leaders will be able to mobilize women delegates and thousands of men, who are pro gender, to support that amendment.
It is worth noting the previous governments failed to address this all important constitutional imperative.
For President Ruto, he stated. We can no longer bury our heads in the sand by ignoring the immense contribution of the women of Kenya towards the growth of the economy and uplifting the living standard of Kenyans.
There is no cause for worry because I have already discussed this with Riggy-G (DP Gachagua.
As a writer and political analyst, I want to share with you a bit of Kirinyaga politics.
In yester-years, Martha Karua of Narc Kenya was being touted as the iron lady of Kirinyaga county. She has since lost grip and the title to Madam Governor Ann Waiguru.
It is worth noting that the duo contested the Kirinyaga gubernatorial seat in 2017 polls.
Ms Waiguru wrestled her to the ground.
In the run-up to 2022, a number of people from Karua’s home village of Gichugu shared this with me.
Her initial plan was to contest the governor’s seat. She would not dire to face Waiguru because she knew she would end up being embarrassed again.
It seems she breathed a sigh of relief when the outgoing President Uhuru Kenyatta convinced Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition leader Raila Odinga to pick her as his running mate.
Up to date, Uhuru and Karua have never confirmed or denied whether this is what happened.
Governor Waiguru’s track record on matters of development and good governance is there for all to see. As the chairperson of Council of Governors (CoG), she has been vocal in fighting for the agenda of Devolution. This includes challenging the national government on timely disbursement of shareable revenue to the counties.
She is also well educated and believes in building a peaceful and united nation.
She had previously served as a chief executive officer of a number of corporates and financial institutions locally and internationally.
She also served the government of President Mwai Kibaki and that of his successor Uhuru Kenyatta with dedication and distinction. She was the pioneer of Huduma Centers that have since reduced the burden that Kenyans shouldered when seeking critical services.
They now get them under one roof with a click of a button.
But Waiguru will need to come up with a workable strategy of tackling other competitors from other communities.
Joseph Mutua Ndonga is a writer and political analyst based in Nairobi
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