UDA is the Party to Beat in Mt Kenya Region – Waiguru Declares

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has termed UDA Party associated with Deputy President William Ruto as the party to beat in the Mt Kenya region.

Speaking during an interview with Nation, Waiguru noted that on the ground UDA has made significant progress with most locals currently leaning towards the Hustler Nation party.

“…Where I come from, the Wanjikus are tending to be on the UDA side… So, on my political leanings right now, the ground is significantly UDA in Kirinyaga and in Central Kenya,” she told the local daily.

As to whether she has officially joined UDA, Waiguru noted that she is still consulting and listening to the electorate before she makes a decision regarding her future.

She, however, noted that going against the grain will be a tough and costly affair, as she’ll have to spend more time convincing the electorate to ditch the Hustler wave and join her bandwagon

File image of Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru. [Photo: Courtesy]

Additionally, Waiguru noted that if she opts to go against the grain and retain her seat, she may have a difficult time serving as governor since most of the County MCAs will be from a different party, and may have different ideologies, thus complicating her term.

“I can make a choice and go against the grain and I could probably win, but I would have to spend a lot more because it is going against the grain,” she said.

Over the past few weeks, Governor Waiguru has been dropping all manner of hints that she is on her way to UDA.

She recently met female legislators allied to UDA and said the meeting was part of her listening journey.

Meanwhile, reports of her likeness to join UDA have not augured well with the area Woman Rep Purity Ngirici who’s been with the DP all along.

Ngirici was considered the clear favourite for the UDA Kirinyaga Gubernatorial ticket, but with the new reports linking Waiguru to UDA, she now is likely to face a barrier before making it to the ballot.