- Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru dismissed the idea of running as Edwin Sifuna's deputy in the 2027 presidential race
- Waiguru, who is in her second term, confirmed she is positioning herself to become President Ruto's running mate
- The governor cast doubt on the ability of any opposition candidate to defeat Ruto in the next general election
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has firmly shut down speculation that she could feature on a presidential ticket alongside Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, saying she does not believe the ODM secretary general has what it takes to defeat President William Ruto in 2027.
Source: Facebook
Speaking publicly on the matter, Waiguru acknowledged that Sifuna is a personal friend, but made clear that friendship would not override her political judgement.
"I don't gamble. I believe that winning elections takes a little bit more than being able to get large crowds in rallies. I don't think that, at this point in time that Sifuna has what it takes to cross the finishing line. It's not easy to beat someone like Ruto; he is a great mobiliser, and he has experience in winning elections," Waiguru said.
Waiguru Eyes Ruto's Running Mate Position
The second-term governor confirmed she is actively positioning herself to deputise President Ruto in the 2027 race, a slot currently held by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
Asked whether Kindiki's performance had been found wanting, Waiguru was careful to frame her ambition around complementary strengths rather than shortcomings, arguing that she brings a distinct set of skills and numbers that would strengthen Ruto's re-election bid.
Waiguru also cautioned those who may be underestimating the incumbent, describing him as a formidable political operator with unmatched organisational capacity.
"William Ruto is not a pushover. He is a tough and strategic politician. I don't see his match in this race. Sifuna lacks capacity. He can't convince his closest allies to join his party. That is a capacity issue. Ruto, when he was still DP, convinced over 100 MPs to go with him and help him with the presidency. Ruto has the money and the machinery, so if you don't have it, what are you doing running for president?" Waiguru said.
Opposition Faces Uphill Battle
The former Cabinet Secretary for Devolution went further to project that no opposition figure stands a realistic chance of unseating Ruto, and warned that a fragmented opposition field would only benefit the president.
She pointed to the difficulty of forming a cohesive alliance, noting that figures such as Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and former Interior CS Fred Matiang'i carry strong but exclusive support bases that may not transfer to another candidate.
"None of them is going to win. I don't see Kalonzo agreeing to deputise him (Sifuna), and Kalonzo's followers have said if it's not Kalonzo, they will go to Ruto. We have had similar sentiments from Kisii that if it's not Matiang'i, they will go to Ruto," she said.
Waiguru's comments add to growing political positioning ahead of the 2027 General Election, with senior figures from various camps already manoeuvring for advantage more than a year before the vote.
Who is Waiguru's preferred opposition candidate?
Waiguru named Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF) leader Kalonzo Musyoka as the opposition's most likely presidential candidate to face William Ruto in 2027.
While acknowledging Kalonzo as the frontrunner within opposition circles, she was quick to argue that he stands no chance against Ruto.
Kalonzo was Raila Odinga's running mate in 2013 and 2017. In 2022, he was displaced by Martha Karua but still remained in Raila's camp. He is seen as one of the most experienced politicians within the United Opposition, having served as Kenya's vice president between 2008 and 2013.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Authors:
Tags:
Hot: