Women Leaders Endorse Kirinyaga Governor Waiguru for Deputy President Role

Several women governors, members of parliament, and local government officials have endorsed Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru to seek a higher political position after her term as governor ends.

This endorsement, which came during the G7 Summit held in Kirinyaga County, saw women governors, 30 Members of Parliament, and several Members of County Assembly (MCAs) express their support for Waiguru's potential ascension to national leadership. The G7 Summit, a significant event focused on activating the Kirinyaga Chapter of the G7 Strategy, convened a diverse assembly of women leaders, including governors, deputy governors, women representatives, and high-ranking government officials. The primary objective of the summit was to bolster women's leadership and political participation, aligning with Kenya's Vision 2030 and the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

During the proceedings, the assembled leaders articulated their conviction that Waiguru is prepared for a national leadership role, with specific suggestions pointing toward the position of Deputy President. As the current Chairperson of the Council of Governors (COG), Waiguru's progressive and transformative leadership has been widely recognized, strengthening her candidacy for higher office. Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti commended Waiguru's efforts in revolutionizing Kirinyaga's health sector, particularly highlighting the completion and equipping of Kerugoya Hospital. Ndeti emphasized the hospital's high standards, comparing them favourably to some of the country's largest medical facilities, and expressed her intention to implement similar projects in Machakos County.

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga echoed these sentiments, asserting that Waiguru's selfless service to her county merits her consideration for a national role. Wanga emphasized Waiguru's strength and suitability for any position, noting the valuable lessons learned from her leadership and legacy in Kirinyaga. Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani praised Waiguru as an exemplary mentor and champion of women's leadership, lauding her success as COG chairperson and her readiness for national politics. Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya added that Waiguru's achievements in Kirinyaga were uniquely possible due to her perspective as a woman leader.

Nyandarua Woman Representative Faith Gitau voiced her support for Waiguru, stating that women leaders will continue to build upon her achievements as they strive for greater representation in leadership roles. Gitau referenced Waiguru's innovations at the national level, including the establishment of Huduma Centres, and expressed optimism about women's future in politics, including the possibility of a woman president by 2032. Ida Odinga, the G7's patron, reaffirmed the group's commitment to supporting women in political endeavors to achieve and surpass the two-thirds gender threshold.

Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata also commended Waiguru, noting that he had adopted ideas from her development projects in his own county. In her address, Waiguru acknowledged the persistent underrepresentation of women in positions of power and emphasized the G7 movement's goal of providing a framework to realize the full potential of devolution in Kenya while amplifying women's voices in leadership. She highlighted the significant improvements in service delivery across key development sectors, particularly in areas led by women.