The political rivalry pitting Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru and Woman Rep Purity Ngirici has moved a notch higher as they both fight for control of Kirinyaga ahead of the upcoming General Election.
The longstanding hostility worsened recently when Waiguru officially joined Deputy President William Ruto‘s UDA party in a bid to arrest Ngirici’s fast-rising popularity in Kirinyaga county.
Ngirici has been a loyal supporter of Ruto and is among politicians who played a key role in the formation of UDA after the ruling Jubilee Party, to which they initially belonged, showed a middle finger.
The entry of Waiguru appears to have not only angered Ngirici but also drove her away from Ruto’s inner circle.
For the past one month, the Kirinyaga woman rep, who is seeking to unseat Waiguru, has been skipping Ruto’s meetings and rallies including those held in Mt Kenya.
Last week, Ngirici kept off all UDA rallies in Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Embu, and Kiambu counties organized to popularise the DP’s presidential bid in the region.
Her jersey was visibly worn by Waiguru who used the auspicious occasion to resuscitate her otherwise dimming political career.
Ngirici would later come out gun blazing and tore into the Kirinyaga governor over the sentiments she made during Ruto’s rallies in Mt Kenya.
Waiguru had castigated Interior PS Karanja Kibicho and called on President Uhuru Kenyatta to fire him over abuse of office and politicking, a position shared by all Tanga Tanga politicians who spoke at the rallies.
“I want to tell the president that Kirinyaga doesn’t lack people to employ, but Kibicho has left work in the office and gone to play politics,” said the Kirinyaga county boss.
In her hard-hitting response, Ngirici called out Waiguru for undermining and disrespecting the Interior PS who also hails from Kirinyaga.
“It is clear that both of us are in UDA but it is wrong for Waiguru to call for the sacking of Kibicho, leaders from this region deserve respect,” said Ngirici.
She added: “It is courtesy of PS Karanja Kibicho that we have seen Wang’uru stadium and the overall improvement of road network in Mwea constituency”.
In a recent public address, Ngirici openly accused Waiguru of corruption and declared that nothing would change her tainted image even if she joined UDA.
“A thief is a thief. Even if she joins UDA she remains to be a thief. Even if she joins Ruto she cannot change,” said Ngirici.
Her conspicuous absence and recent utterances have caused jitters and opened room for speculation about her next course of action.
In an interview with the Standard, the Kirinyaga woman rep hinted at ditching UDA for a convenient outfit that would propel her to the helm of Kirinyaga county leadership.
“Politics is akin to the game of chess; you must study it well as your next decision would determine whether you win or lose. I have now retreated to carefully study my options before I make my next political move,” she said.
Asked about why she decided to keep off UDA rallies after Waiguru’s entry, Ngirici said she wanted to allow her opponent time to enjoy the warm reception before she pulls a fast one on her.
“I’m also giving the newcomers some time to enjoy their newfound political home. That’s why you haven’t seen me attending Ruto’s rallies,” she said.
On her Facebook page on November 24, 2021, Ngirici gave yet another indication that was considering making a surprise move that would stun her opponent.
“I would liken politics to a game of chess. When your opponent makes a move you don’t rush to make yours. You study the game carefully so that your next move is to give a checkmate to your opponent.
“Let us remain focused and calm and as my supporters always jokingly tell me;” Ngirici you always play chess and not football. I reiterate the same,” she wrote.
