Governor Anne Waiguru unveils Education CEC as running mate

Governor Anne Waiguru unveils Education CEC as running mate

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has unveiled James Kinyua Mutugi as her running mate for the August 9 gubernatorial seat race. 

Mutugi who has been County Executive Committee (CeC) member for Education was unveiled yesterday in a ceremony at Kiandegwa area of Mwea constituency.

The former deputy speaker of the Kirinyaga county assembly is a holder of bachelor degree in education from Laikipia University.

While announcing his appointment for the first time in public, Waiguru described Mutugi as a hardworking person who had served her administration and former county assembly with lots of dedication. 

"The appointment will help strike gender and regional balance in the leadership positions. Last time, I had my deputy come from Mwea East, this time, I have chosen from Mwea West," she said.

She said Mutugi, a former MCA for Wamumu ward, would help her continue with the transformation journey she had started in Kirinyaga. 

"I believe Mutugi is the right candidate for this job. He is a hardworking person and I know he will help me deliver to the people of Kirinyaga," she said.

Waiguru said she will not be intimidated by anyone to back off from supporting Deputy' President William Ruto for presidency.

She said Kirinyaga is solidly behind Ruto and those trying to force Raila onto the people will be disappointed after August 9 polls.

She asked voters to "reject state sponsored candidates and their masters" who were threatening to arrest UDA supporters under the guise of being hooligans.

Waiguru further caution residents against being hoodwinked to support independent governor candidates saying functional governments are formed by political parties and not individuals.

The governor said an independent Governor would have it rough running a government without the support of a political party.

The county boss said Mt. Kenya will not betray Ruto despite all attempts by the state and its machinery to coerce people into supporting Azimio President candidate Raila Odinga.

On his part, Mutugi said he was humbled by the appointment and pledged to help Waiguru win back the governor's seat. 

"I want to say that I feel honoured and thankful for choosing me among so many candidates. I promise you that I will be royal to help you do deliver to the people of Kirinyaga," he said

She promised the residents that she will work with Waiguru to support rice farming by agitating for reasonable fee for irrigation water and subsidized prices for fertilizer.

Other leaders who spoke during the event said the August 9 elections will be a contest between Raila and Ruto and not between Martha Karua and Rigathi Gachagua.

The naming of Waiguru's running mate was received with jubilation with residents of Kiandegwa, Ngang'a, Thome and Ciagiini praising Governor Waiguru for the appointment.

Wamumu ward MCA Baptista Kanga described Mutugi as a visionary and self driven leader, saying apart from development, area residents had another reason to vote back Waiguru into office.

Mutugi has an impressive work record having been awarded the best CeC in the year 2022 in Kirinyaga.

The leaders further told off Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho over his recent attacks on Governor Waiguru and other UDA leaders whom he accused of sponsoring goons to heckle Azimio leaders during their recent tour in Kirinyaga.

The leaders who included Baragwi MCA David Mathenge accused Kibicho of trying to blackmail them so that they can join Azimio.

"We want to tell Kibicho that we will not be intimidated, threatened or blackmailed. We are in UDA and will not be forced to join Jubilee or support Raila," he said.

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