Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has publicly apologised to residents of the Mt Kenya region over the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, in remarks that signal a possible shift in political tone within the region.
Speaking during a recent address, Waiguru acknowledged the discontent that followed Gachagua’s removal from office, admitting that the move did not sit well with many voters and has since complicated political dynamics for President William Ruto in a region considered a key support base.
“I understand your pain… I am truly sorry,” Waiguru said, in what appeared to be a rare admission by a senior Kenya Kwanza ally on the political fallout of the impeachment.
The governor, however, avoided criticising Gachagua directly or taking aim at the opposition, instead urging residents to look beyond the political tensions and focus on development.
“That pain or anger should not make us separate ourselves from other communities,” she added, calling for unity and continued engagement with the national government.
In a pointed appeal, Waiguru framed support for the government as a matter of interest rather than emotion, telling residents: “Do you accept to support this government? It is not a love affair. It is about interests.”
Her remarks come even as she continues to roll out key development projects in the county, in what appears to be a broader effort to steady political ground while delivering on service.
During the same engagements, Waiguru announced the launch of the Sh200 million Mwea Integrated Water Supply Rehabilitation and Expansion Project at Kandongu, which is set to benefit about 30,000 households across eight wards through a 57-kilometre pipeline network in Mwea Constituency.
She also presided over the handover of a three-acre site for the construction of Wang’uru Market Phase II, a project expected to provide modern trading spaces for more than 1,500 traders drawn from Wang’uru, Tebere, Thiba and Nyangati wards.
The development push comes against the backdrop of growing unease in Mt Kenya following Gachagua’s ouster, which continues to shape political discourse in the region. The fallout has seen leaders walking a delicate line between maintaining loyalty to the administration and responding to local voter sentiment.
Analysts say the apology could signal early political recalibration ahead of the 2027 elections, especially as leaders seek to retain influence in a region that played a decisive role in the 2022 presidential vote.
Waiguru’s statement also reinforces concerns that the impeachment may have created lingering divisions within the ruling coalition’s support base, with some leaders now pushing a development-first message to stabilise support.
