Waiguru: There will be no Kikuyu in leadership for the next 30 years

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has forecasted a potential decline in Kikuyu political influence for the next three decades. She attributed this to the opposition party's broad appeal and alleged lack of unity within the Mount Kenya community. Waiguru asserted that President William Ruto enjoys significant backing across Kenya's 47 counties, with 35 of them already aligned with him.

The governor emphasized the importance of recognizing the diverse political and ethnic interests within counties such as Nakuru, Kiambu, and Nairobi during the upcoming 2027 general election. She also highlighted the 2022 presidential election, where Raila Odinga garnered support in certain parts of the Mount Kenya region, suggesting that political diversity remains prevalent in the area.

Waiguru questioned the opposition's capacity to unite ahead of the election, citing disagreements among leaders at the county level. This comes amid growing backing for former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua within the Mount Kenya community, who has been dubbed the region's political spokesman. Gachagua has explicitly opposed voting for President Ruto in 2027, accusing him of neglecting the region.

The tension between the two leaders intensified following the loss of the Ol Kalou by-election, where the United Democratic Alliance candidate lost to a DCP-affiliated candidate.