Waiguru declares 2027 deputy presidency bid, 2032 presidential bid

Kirinyanga Governor Ann Waiguru addressing participants of the G7 meeting. [Jenipher Wachie, Standard]

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has officially declared that she will be in the running to be President William Ruto's running mate.

"I am going to put in my bid if there's a bid for the deputy president of the Republic of Kenya," she said.

Waiguru, who is serving her final term as Kirinyaga Governor, said that she was "shooting for the stars so that if she doesn't succeed, she could land  on the moon".

"I am in danger of extinction because I have done two terms. If I joke around, I could slip and find myself nowhere." she said.

With the push and pull still ongoing within the broad-based government over who would deputize President Ruto, Waiguru has said that she has whatever it takes to be in contention.

"If they can mobilize, I can mobilize. If they can speak, I can speak. They have resources which I also have.'' said Waiguru, adding that she has held conversations with Homa Bay Governor Galdys Wanga to strategize.

In March 2024,  President Ruto pledged to give the running mate position to a woman, but Waiguru said that the promise made was not a guarantee.

She stressed that all women need to rally each other to be in that conversation. "Even if we were promised, it's not going to happen. We have to pull together and fight for it. Whatever our formations are, let's not be content." she said.

Orange Democratic Movement National Secretary and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, was present when Waiguru declared her bid, but she did not give her sentiments on the same.

Wanga has been at the forefront, demanding that the running mate position be reserved for ODM.

Waiguru joins the long list of individuals who are said to be eyeing the seat, including Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Cabinet Secretaries Wycliffe Oparanya and Hassan Joho.

On the 2032 succession politics, Waiguru has also officially declared her 2032 Presidential bid.

"I also want to give this assurance and commitment: Anne Mumbi Waiguru will be on the ballot for President of the Republic of Kenya in 2032. Take that to the bank." said Waiguru.

She said that she had already shared her ambition with her Kirinyaga constituents, vowing to push to the end.

"I don't know what party it will be; I don't know what formation it will be. If the Lord gives me strength and keeps me alive, that is my mission," she added.

According to her, she has the requisite experience in Kenyan politics to bring women leadership to the highest elective office of the land.

"I owe it to the women of Kenya; if I don't succeed, the next one who will come will succeed," Waiguru stated.

But even before she left the room, Waiguru faced opposition from within, with Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris opposed to her bid.

"Governor Waiguru, the country needs to be inclusive. We have had Mt. Kenya in the leadership, we have had Rift Valley, but for 2032, I want Governor Wanga to be President of Kenya and I would like the mountain to rally behind Wanga," said Passaris.

Passaris' statement was met with a fierce rebuttal from Laikipia Woman Representative Jane Kagiri.

"We are aiming for a woman President. We don't care where she comes from. We just have to deliver a woman President," said Kagiri.

Home Bay Governor Gladys Wanga steered clear of the debate, promising to support Waiguru's Presidential bid.

The decision by Waiguru is expected to trigger fresh conversations around 2027 and 2032 politics with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki also eyeing to retain his seat and succeed his boss if they get a second term.

Waiguru's declaration happened on Tuesday during a meeting organized by the Women Governors Caucus in collaboration with the United Nations, which brought together women leaders from across the country, aimed at catalyzing women's leadership for 2027 and beyond.