Waiguru: Mt Kenya should honour ‘Kumi ya Ruto’ pact

Speaking on Saturday during the launch of the Mutithi Health Centre maternity wing in Mwea, Waiguru urged the Mt Kenya community to remain united if it is to retain relevance and bargaining power in national politics.

The governor reminded residents of the political pact made during former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s tenure “Yangu kumi, ya Ruto kumi” insisting that Mt Kenya’s credibility depends on keeping its word.

“Uhuru himself said ‘yangu kumi, ya Ruto kumi’. As Mt Kenya, we must honour our promise. Politics is about trust, and once you break trust, no one takes you seriously again,” Waiguru said.

Waiguru warned that despite Mt Kenya’s large voting population, the region cannot form a government on its own without alliances, cautioning that political betrayal and internal divisions could isolate the community nationally.

“We may have the numbers, but numbers alone cannot build a government. If Mt Kenya becomes known for breaking agreements, other communities will simply walk away from us,” she noted.

In a sharp attack on Gachagua, Waiguru said his impeachment had significantly weakened his political standing and diminished his ability to effectively champion the interests of the region.

“Leadership is about direction and credibility. You cannot lead people when you have lost both. Mt Kenya must be careful not to follow leaders who have no clear political path,” she said.

The governor urged residents not to abandon the current administration during difficult moments.

“You do not abandon the house you built simply because it is raining. You stay, fix the roof, and move forward together,” Waiguru told the crowd.

Waiguru’s remarks come amid rising political temperatures in the Mt Kenya region, as leaders reposition themselves ahead of future national contests, with loyalty to President Ruto emerging as a key dividing line.

Kirinyaga Central MP Gachoki Gitari strongly defended Waiguru, praising her national stature and development record, and suggesting her growing influence has unsettled some political players.

“I have been following your work closely, and the results speak for themselves. Many second-term governors relax and wait for their term to end, but you have continued to deliver,” Gitari said.

He claimed that Waiguru’s rising profile at the national level has made some leaders uncomfortable.

“Now that you are a true daughter of the mountain, you are making some men sleepless. They feel threatened because they know you can be picked as Deputy President,” he said.