Ngilu pushes Waiguru to run against Ruto in 2027

Ngilu pushes Waiguru to run against Ruto in 2027

A coalition of female governors has embarked on a mission to secure a woman as deputy president and increase the number of women county governors in the 2027 General Election.

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru signaled her interest in the deputy president role on Friday, while former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu encouraged her to set her sights on the presidency.

“We want a woman to be the President of Kenya. If the U.S. is aiming for a woman president, Kenya can too. Waiguru, after serving two terms as governor, aims higher. You’ve been a governor and a cabinet secretary—no one is more qualified. Don’t shy away,” Ms. Ngilu emphasized.

Ms. Ngilu made these remarks during a women’s leadership summit in Machakos Town, organized by the G7, a caucus of women governors from the Council of Governors.

The G7 comprises Ms. Waiguru, Wavinya Ndeti (Machakos), Cecily Mbarire (Embu), Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay), Susan Kihika (Nakuru), Fatuma Achani (Kwale), and Kawira Mwangaza (Meru).

“Ms. Waiguru has demonstrated exceptional leadership at the Council of Governors. Women can take on higher roles. When your term ends, ensure another woman succeeds you and move on to greater positions,” said Ms. Achani.

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Ms. Waiguru outlined the G7’s goal of electing 24 out of 47 women governors by 2027, along with stronger representation in Parliament and County Assemblies.

“The strategy’s launch across counties is aimed at customizing it for local settings and promoting mentorship programs to boost women’s leadership nationwide,” Ms. Waiguru added in a statement.

Kajiado Woman Representative Leah Sankaire, a senior member of the G7 advisory board, noted that women governors are targeting the deputy president position in 2027.

“First-term women governors should get a second term, while those completing their second term should pursue higher positions. Kenya is ready for a female deputy president,” she asserted.

Azimio leader Raila Odinga’s wife, Ida Odinga, and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka joined in supporting greater women representation in leadership.

Ms. Odinga stressed that the push should extend to MPs and ward representatives, while Mr. Musyoka encouraged women leaders to perform effectively, saying this would make it easier to advocate for more women in leadership.

“I’m all for having even 30 women governors,” he added.

The two-day summit also aimed to showcase Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti’s achievements. Ms. Ndeti hosted Ms. Waiguru, Ms. Achani, and governors Mbarire, Wanga, and Kihika, taking them on a tour of key projects initiated by her administration over the last two years.

The group laid the foundation stones for Mavoko Sub-County Hospital, a level four facility, Muindi Mbingu Specialty Hospital, a 600-bed complex, and a gender violence recovery center near Machakos Town.

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The governors commended Ms. Ndeti for her progress over the past two years. Ms. Kihika, Ms. Mbarire, and Ms. Waiguru highlighted the Machakos Youth Service program as a transformative initiative tackling youth poverty.

Ms. Ndeti’s administration recently wrapped up public consultations on a proposed law to anchor the youth empowerment program, designed to help young people access county technical training institutes and secure affordable business loans. The governors lauded the program as a game-changer.

“Despite limited funds, Ms. Ndeti has delivered significant results. The Machakos Youth Service is a standout program, and I plan to implement it in Nakuru,” Ms. Kihika said, echoing Ms. Mbarire.

The governors urged Machakos residents to back Ms. Ndeti for her full two terms.

Ngilu pushes Waiguru to run against Ruto in 2027