Editor's Review

A progressive democracy does not allow us as occupiers of public leadership offices to personalize them - Waiguru. 

Governor Anne Waiguru has hit out at Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over what she termed as 'personalization of public offices' in what seems to be a widening rift in the Mt Kenya region.  

In a statement via X on Monday, May 20, Waiguru noted that leaders should not personalize offices to the extent that it becomes taboo for anyone else to express ambition to occupy them.

"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. 

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

"Let us recognize the right of all, especially our women and our youth to aspire to high office. Let us hold their hands in mentorship on political and socioeconomic leadership. Everyone has a right to dream & pursue their dreams like those in current leadership dreamt and their dreams actualized by the support of millions of youth & women. They too, deserve support, not hostility. Hopefully, we all seek the best for Kenya," remarked Waiguru. 

This comes days after a section of leaders allied to DP Gachagua claimed he was being sidelined in President William Ruto's administration. 

File Image of DP Rigathi Gachagua. 

Embakasi North MP James Gakuya alleged that a section of young leaders in Mt Kenya is being used by people outside the region to frustrate the Deputy President.  

"We are behind the deputy president. We won't tolerate any plan from other regions to frustrate the deputy president. There are young people being misused. I want to tell one of our own, Dennis Itumbi to go slow with his colleagues. He says he makes presidents, does he think he will tell us who next will be our president? They should seek guidance. They should not be misused by those outside the mountain," Gakuya said.

At the same time, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga affirmed that they would not let Gachagua be humiliated in this administration. 

Read Also: UDA MP Cautions Dennis Itumbi over Alleged Plot to Frustrate Gachagua 

On the other hand, there have been allegations that Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro is being groomed to be President Ruto's running mate in 2027. 

Recently, a section of leaders from Murang'a County endorsed Nyoro as their preferred running mate in the 2027 General election.