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Catherine Waruguru
Catherine Waruguru is a nominated member of the Laikipia County Assembly. She got tongues wagging after her tête-à-tête with President Uhuru Kenyatta during a State House visit. The 29-year-old spoke to MWAURA SAMORA about her closeness to the president
It’s two years since your nomination. What have you achieved so far?
Besides serving in the National Constitution Review Committee, I was appointed by fellow members of county assemblies across the country to be part of the team that visited President Uhuru Kenyatta over members’ salaries, wages and car grants. I was also among MCAs who visited State House to discuss the infightings between governors and MCAs.
Is it true that you were nominated because of your looks?
I have been a leader since I was young girl. It has been my passion to improve people’s lives. Besides, those who were shortlisted for nomination were vetted and their backgrounds on leadership checked. So, anybody claiming I was handpicked based on my looks is driven by malice.
MCAs across the country have passed laws banning miniskirts, some even tax livestock. Your take?
Banning miniskirts is not different from stripping women because it’s infringing on their fundamental rights. About taxing domestic animals, it should be made clear whether the tax is being levied on commercial or subsistence farmers. Taxing poor people for their livestock is not right.
Do you believe MCAs need bodyguards and car grants?
Absolutely. County representatives need grants just like MPs and other state officers. Governors have already been given car loans worth Sh15 million and mortgages worth Sh40 million. Sheria ni kama upanga hukata kuwili. Bodyguards should be availed to MCAs, especially if there are credible reasons showing that their lives are threatened.
Has Jubilee and President Kenyatta remained true to the campaign manifesto?
Yes. Jubilee has performed beyond expectations so far. Jubilee has delivered on the economy, national cohesion, security, food and many other sectors.
You are very beautiful. Has your beauty won you some favours?
I am grateful that people recognise me as a beautiful woman, and I am grateful to my God for giving me good looks. But I believe that the beauty of a God-fearing woman lies in the strength and ability to bring solutions to problems. As to whether my looks helped me get this position, I don’t think so.
Are you married?
I am not yet married. I am still waiting and praying for Mr Right.
Can you describe your Mr Right?
He must be God-fearing, and 35 years and above. He must also have a leadership position and be physically well-built. He should not smoke or drink, and be ready to love my six-year-old son as his own.
How close are you to President Uhuru Kenyatta?
I have met the president on several state and county government functions. When I visited State House last year with a group of MCAs, he singled me out just before the end of the function saying, “Mrembo wa Laikipia hauna kitu ya kusema? (Does the beauty from Laikipia have anything to say?).” I had an opportunity to speak even though I was not on the list of speakers. After the function, we chatted for several minutes and I even took a photo with him. It’s a day I will always cherish.
Can you rank the cabinet secretaries based on their performance so far?
I think all the cabinet secretaries are competent, however some are obviously performing better than others. Devolution and Planning Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru stands out as an example that women are no lesser leaders than men. She is an embodiment of beauty, charisma, passion and the strength of a Kenyan woman.
There are claims you are too powerful in Laikipia and that certain people in government don’t like you.
Claims that I am a powerful lady are true. And remember, “As a man thinketh, so he is”. But I know who I am, and God’s purpose in my life. The claims that I do not see eye-to-eye with certain government officials are untrue.
Is there any beef between you and CS Anne Waiguru?
No, never. In fact she doesn’t hesitate to pick my calls. Some people claim there is beef between us because the president singled me out when I visited State House, but those are just rumours. I consider her among my mentors. Others claim we look alike, but I don’t believe we do.
