Kirinyaga Governor Waiguru exhibits her humorous side at devolution conference

Waiguru shares a light moment with Deputy President William Ruto and CoG Chair Josphat Nanok. [Standard]

Kirinyaga governor Anne Waiguru who was co-chair of the 5th annual devolution conference left delegates in stitches several times during the 3-day conference in Kakamega. The governor who is known for tough stances and no-nonsense attitude shifted gears to reveal a humorous side by sending delegates into fits of laughter in every speech she made. 

Waiguru in her opening speech left the hall in stitches after she made reference – in a humorous way - to past trends where youth and women had kept off the debate on devolution, liking this to a man who does not make clear his intentions to a girl he likes.

“There is an African proverb that says a man who hangs around a beautiful girl without speaking his intention ends up fetching water for guests at her wedding. 

“For many years, women and youth have been silent on matters devolution, instead leaving the responsibly of agenda setting to others. 
This year, we seek open up a platform for women and the youth to speak out on matters that are pertinent to them, owing to the fact that the ultimate impact of devolution is felt at the grassroots and the greatest beneficiaries are these two groups.”

At the closing ceremony she recapped the opening match between senators and governors saying, “The football matches played at the state-of-the-art Bukhungu Stadium revealed one thing- that suits and ties hide a lot.” Sending the crowd into roaring laughter.
 
“Another thing we noticed was that as Governors we need to pull up our socks. Being beaten 5-0 by Senators is such an embarrassment, especially since these same Senators will still want us to appear before them to shed light on county expenditures for the next four years. Fellow Governors, we need to pick one struggle; we cannot be beaten in the field and in boardrooms.” She continued.
 
She also noted Kakamega high school’s motto “if you are lazy find another school” where the conference was hosted and connoted that to be the same spirit of devolution.

She further reiterated the need to work together with leaders from the political divide and thanked her counter part and conference host Hon. Oparanya for teaching her to differentiate between the Bukusu shoulder dance and the Maragoli shoulder dance.
 
As one of only 3 women governors, Waiguru is considered a top contender for the running mate position in 2022.