Editor's Review

“Facts are stubborn, Rigathi Gachagua is the Deputy President. Unless anyone is questioning the president’s choice."

Kirinyaga Women Representative Njeri Maina has slammed Governor Anne Waiguru days after she hit out at Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over what she called the personalization of public offices. 

In a statement on Wednesday, May 22, Maina accused Waiguru of being interested in replacing Gachagua in the office of the Deputy President.

“I read my good governor’s tweet, she even spiced it by saying that the status quo in politics should support women and youth who aspire to hold high office, ‘hold their hands in mentorship on political and et al.’ Nothing controversial there, just quintessentially contradictory. At the end of the tether was a poorly hidden pick me ask. Alas, here comes my interest. And it isn’t bad to ask by the way, or to dream or to aspire,” said Maina.

The Kirinyaga Women Rep went on to say that DP Gachagua is aware of the existence of some politicians interested in his position ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua with Kirinyaga Women Rep Njeri Maina.

Maina further said politicians should rest the succession politics and focus on their mandate of delivering to the electorate.

“Facts are stubborn, Rigathi Gachagua is the Deputy President. Unless anyone is questioning the president’s choice in light of all the facts and choices he was presented with, let’s rest that conversation and deliver to the people of Kenya as per our respective mandates. The future belongs to all of us, even a dreamer needs followers,” the UDA lawmaker added.

On Monday, May 20, Governor Waiguru noted that leaders should not personalize offices to the extent that it becomes taboo for anyone else to express ambition to occupy them.

The Kirinyaga Governor called for senior leaders in leadership to mentor the young upcoming politicians instead of subjecting them to hostility.

"While we respect the office of the Deputy President, and indeed any other office of leadership, a progressive democracy does not allow us as occupiers of public leadership offices to personalize them to the extent that it becomes taboo for anyone else to nurture and express ambition to occupy them. We hold these offices in trust not as owners," Governor Waiguru stated.