'No permanent enemies in politics': Anne Waiguru, Ngirici bury the hatchet

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru and Kenya Seed Chair Wangui Ngirici exchange pleasantries. [Timothy Kariuki, Standard]

They say there are no permanent enemies in politics, only permanent interests.

Nothing could describe this phrase better than a photo captured on Saturday, August 5, of Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru and her close contender in the last governorship elections, Wangui Ngirici, exchanging a handshake and a hug.

The two were seen in Kagio town, Kirinyaga exchanging pleasantries as various political leaders and members of the public waited for the arrival of President William Ruto who was scheduled to commission a water project in the town.

Governor Waiguru later exchanged a handshake with Mr. Ngirici, much to the delight of other local leaders present who cheered and clapped.

At the second stop where President Ruto addressed a rally, Waiguru called her former political competitor to the podium, as she thanked the president for appointing Ngirici to the government. "And just before I wind up, let me call my sister Wangui Ngirici to come over, and I thank you the president for appointing her here to the government as the chair of the Kenya Seed Company," she said.

Kenya Seed Chair Wangui Ngirici (left) and Governor Anne Waiguru (right) at Kagio town, Kirinyaga. [Timothy Kariuki, Standard]

The gesture has also left many speculating that Waiguru who is on her final term as governor might be contemplating on supporting Wangui as her successor.

The two leaders fronted strong campaigns against each other in the 2022 election with Waiguru vying on a UDA ticket while Wangui went independent.

The two scooped the most votes among the seven candidates vying for the same seat, though Waiguru got the majority. Supporters of the two candidates would at times clash and exchange bitter words, especially in public spaces.

The truce between the duo has also given an indication that Kirinyaga County's governorship future could be female.

"If Governor Waiguru decides to support Ngirici and influence Gichugu's voting bloc, it will be very easy for Ngirici to carry the day given her influence in the expansive vote-rich Mwea voting bloc," observed Nicholas Kariuki, a resident of Gichugu constituency.

This new development is said to be a bitter pill to swallow for the current Kirinyaga Senator, Kamau Murango, who has declared interest in the same seat come 2027.

Murango has lately been attacking Governor Waiguru or anyone who appears to have her support. He is said to have already started engaging in active campaigns and has launched an online 'mudslinging' campaign against Waiguru.