Anne Waiguru Officially Decamps to Ruto's UDA Party

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has officially joined Deputy President William Ruto-led United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.

Ruto welcomed Waiguru to the ‘hustler movement’ following a meeting at his State residence in Karen, Nairobi on Tuesday. 

Waiguru, who is keen to defend her seat in the next year’s election, was accompanied to Karen by more than 20 Kirinyaga Members of the County Assembly.

She said her decision to decamp to UDA was informed by the political atmosphere in her county, where Ruto enjoys solid support.

"Wale watu ambao tunatuhudumia kule mashinani wote wametuambia chama ni UDA na form ni hustler na mpango ni bottom-up...," said Waiguru at Karen.

She added: “It is only a fool who can continue being in the same political path with the kind of pressure that I have been facing. Never imagine as a leader that you are the one who tells the people. The people are the ones who tell you (where to go). They decide who they are going to elect very early in advance. You cannot dictate to them.”

On his part, Ruto lauded Governor Waiguru for the difficult but bold decision, saying it will “shape the future of our country.”

He noted that the country will be transformed when leaders work together, adding that UDA is keen on having more women in leadership.

“We do not have a luxury of hate and division. We need everyone on board to confront our challenges. We will ensure that there is a conducive environment for women to seek leadership in our country,” he argued.

“There is space to accommodate everyone in UDA. Let us embrace competition because it brings the best in us.”