Kirinyaga governor Anne Waiguru has declared her intention to seek the presidency in the 2032 General Election while also aspiring to be the Deputy President when the 2027 polls take place. Waiguru said that she would battle to attain the top leadership post in Kenya and urged women not to lack courage when it comes to vying for the biggest seats in the land.

“I, Anne Mumbi Waiguru do declare myself in the race for the Presidency of the Republic of Kenya in the 2032 General Elections,” she said.

Waiguru asked why women politicians have to be criticized for reaching out to occupy the most prominent positions when the men are not subject to the same level of condemnation.

“Men are okay when they come to our villages and say, ‘I want a Deputy President seat’; no one bothers with them,” Waiguru said.

Ms Waiguru is one of the many personalities who have staked their claims for top leadership positions as the 2027 General Election draws near. The Deputy President post has become a contentious issue between the presidential candidates of the coalitional governments and the leaders of the Mount Kenya region. It is in this regard that Waiguru stated her desire to join Ruto’s presidential ticket as his running mate in 2027 and from there shift to the presidential campaign.

Currently, the Deputy President position is held by Kithure Kindiki who took office in November 2024 after the removal of Rigathi Gachagua. From the statements made by Waiguru, it is glaring that her declaration is for the 2027 elections.

In addition, she has not been named Ruto’s running mate, and her most immediate goal is different from the one she has set for the 2032 elections. Waiguru is a firm believer that women should boldly venture into politics and not be hesitant to attain the leadership positions they desire.

The Constitution of Kenya gives assurance of equality and equity between male and female citizens and urges them to vie for the public offices. Despite this fact, women are still in the minority when it comes to elected officials. Waiguru, who is currently the governor of Kirinyaga, won the 2017 and 2022 elections as a gubernatorial hopeful.

She was the Cabinet Secretary of Devolution before her victory in the gubernatorial race. The governor has staked her claim for two significant positions: an opportune slot in the national executive and the presidency of the Republic of Kenya.

However, the next president has not been named and can be unveiled anytime soon.