Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has drawn renewed attention to former President Uhuru Kenyatta by invoking a long-standing political promise that ties the Mt Kenya region to President William Ruto's leadership.
In recent remarks captured by KBC Channel 1 News, Waiguru stated that Uhuru himself had told his community that his tenure would last ten years, followed by ten years for Ruto.
She argued that with Uhuru having completed his two terms, the people of Mt Kenya now owe Ruto the remaining five years of his second term to clear that debt and maintain the region's credibility in Kenyan politics.
Waiguru emphasized that honoring such commitments is essential for trust in politics. She warned that failing to support Ruto's re-election in 2027 could portray Mt Kenya as unreliable, potentially isolating the region from future alliances.
Her comments revive the popular slogan "Yangu kumi, ya Ruto kumi," which originated during the Uhuru-Ruto handshake era and the building of the Jubilee coalition.
At the time, it symbolized a mutual agreement for power-sharing between the two leaders and their support bases.
The governor's statement comes amid shifting dynamics in Mt Kenya, where some leaders and voters express dissatisfaction with the current administration over economic issues, cost of living pressures, and perceived unfulfilled promises.
Waiguru's push for unity behind Ruto contrasts with voices calling for change or alternative alignments, including those linked to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua or opposition figures.
By directly referencing Uhuru's words, Waiguru places the former president in the spotlight, suggesting his influence lingers over regional decisions.
Uhuru has remained largely silent on current politics since leaving office, making Waiguru's invocation a strategic move to rally support and counter dissent. The remarks highlight ongoing debates about loyalty, historical pacts, and the future of Mt Kenya's political bargaining power ahead of the next election cycle.