Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has declared she has no plans to retire from politics when her term ends in 2027.
The second-term governor, who was first elected in 2017 after serving as Devolution Cabinet Secretary during the Jubilee administration, was among the first three female governors elected in Kenya’s history.
Speaking on Tuesday during the official opening of the NCBA Kerugoya Branch, where she was the guest of honor, Waiguru dismissed claims that she will quit active politics after completing her second term.
“There are people saying, ‘The governor is finishing and then she goes home.’ Who told you I’m going home?” she posed. “Do I look like someone who is going home?” she quipped, drawing laughter from the audience.
Waiguru highlighted the significance of the newly opened branch, NCBA’s 97th, noting it reflects the bank’s confidence in Kirinyaga County’s potential. She said the branch would unlock new opportunities for residents, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and businesses.
“The county is fertile ground for investments, particularly because of its status as a leading rice producer,” Waiguru said. “We are the number one producer of aromatic rice in the region—not just in Kenya. Pishori rice, grown exclusively in Kirinyaga, earns our farmers over Sh25 billion annually.”
She encouraged investors to consider Kirinyaga, adding humorously, “If you’re thinking about where to open a branch, I’m giving you hints without telling you directly. You know I need votes from everywhere.”
Waiguru has been mentioned as a strong contender for Deputy President, especially after discussions surrounding Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment gained traction. Her candidacy was endorsed by several female governors in the G7 and resonated with Kenyans, as reflected in recent polls.
An October 7 survey by TIFA Research, released a day before Gachagua’s impeachment, ranked Waiguru third among preferred replacements, with a 3 per cent approval rating. Prof. Kithure Kindiki topped the poll with 37 per cent, followed by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, each with 5 per cent. Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga rounded off the top five at 2 per cent.
Waiguru’s strong showing in a male-dominated race highlights her growing influence in the political arena. As the saying goes, a day is a long time in politics, and the dynamics could significantly shift by 2027.
