Waiguru: Mt Kenya may stay out of power for 30 years
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru predicts that the Mt Kenya region may remain excluded from top national leadership for the next 30 years. She cites President William Ruto's strong political support and the persistent inability of opposition factions to unite as the primary drivers of this trend.
Why it matters
This assessment highlights the volatile and fragmented nature of Kenyan politics ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Kirinyaga governor Anne Waiguru addressing rice farmers at Makutano on October 9, 2026/ ALICE WAITHERA
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has said Mt Kenya risks remaining outside the country’s top leadership for more than three decades, citing President William Ruto’s political numbers and divisions within the opposition.
Waiguru said opposition leaders were unlikely to unite behind a single presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 General Election, arguing that competing ambitions could weaken their chances of challenging Ruto.
Speaking while meeting rice farmers and local leaders at Makutano in Kirinyaga County, the governor said Mt Kenya leaders needed to plan their political future carefully instead of relying on an opposition coalition whose unity she questioned.
“I can tell you without fear or favour that, for the next 30 years, Mt Kenya will not be in leadership. It is a fact,” she said.
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