How Governor Waiguru Rescued Her Political Career with Strategic Resignation as CS
On November 21, 2015, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Mumbi Waiguru made an important decision regarding her political future.
At the time, she served as the Cabinet Secretary for Devolution and Planning under President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration.
Appointed in 2013 during Kenyatta’s leadership with the Jubilee Party, Waiguru faced multiple allegations of corruption in her ministry.
Problems arose when issues at the National Youth Service (NYS), under her jurisdiction, were discovered.
Initially, Waiguru denied any financial wrongdoing, but her stance shifted after an investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) revealed fraud amounting to at least Sh791 million.
Josephine Kabura, involved in the NYS scandal, was connected as an accomplice, a connection Waiguru denied.
The opposition coalition Cord, led by Raila Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), persistently challenged Waiguru’s accountability over accusations of corruption and misuse of public resources.
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On November 21, 2015, acknowledging the impact of the allegations on her health, Waiguru resigned from her position.
She cited health concerns due to continuous attacks and stated her doctor recommended taking time off.
In her resignation letter, she requested the president to relieve her of her responsibilities.
Waiguru’s move was seen as a strategic decision to protect her political career. The case against her was eventually dismissed due to insufficient evidence.
In August 2016, Waiguru announced her political aspirations by joining The National Alliance (TNA) and preparing for the 2017 general election.
She campaigned for the Kirinyaga County gubernatorial seat and won on a Jubilee ticket.
She is currently in her second and final term as governor.
Article 152 of the Kenyan Constitution outlines the procedure for impeaching Cabinet Secretaries.
How Governor Waiguru Rescued Her Political Career with Strategic Resignation as CS