Governor Waiguru Apologizes After Accidentally Calling Ruto Leader of Azimio Coalition

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru was forced to apologize after publicly referring to Deputy President William Ruto as the leader of the Azimio coalition.

Waiguru was making her speech during the signing of a coalition agreement by 12 political parties under the Kenya Kwanza alliance at the Ngong Race Course in Nairobi on Tuesday when the apparent slip of the tongue occurred.

She accidentally addressed the deputy president as the leader of the Azimio coalition that is headed by his main rival Raila Odinga.

Waiguru, who is defending her seat under Ruto’s UDA party, quickly apologized for her mistake amid disapproving murmurs from the crowd.

“Sorry, oh my goodness, my sincere apologies,” Waiguru said. 

The first-term governor claimed the slip of tongue was because she had planned to take a dig at the Azimio coalition. “I was thinking what I will say about them,” she added.

A video clip capturing Waiguru’s goof went viral on social media, with some users claiming her heart was in the Azimio outfit.

The 12 parties that signed a pact under Kenya Kwanza include UDA, ANC, Ford-Kenya, Chama Cha Kazi, Communist Party of Kenya, Devolution Party, Economic Freedom Party, Farmers Party, The Service Party, Tujibebe Wakenya Party and Umoja Maendeleo Party.