Kirinyaga County gubernatorial aspirant Wangui Ngirici has taken backstage in the heated campaigns of the region.

Ngirici who until recently when Governor Ann Waiguru joined Deputy President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) was active in UDA politics and accompanied the DP to most rallies.

Her absence in the Ruto’s events has raised eyebrows and sent mixed signals to members of the public with a section wondering if she is on her way out of UDA.

On Tuesday, Ngirici said intimated in a social media post that she was not in a hurry to make any hasty moves against her opponents but has to study politics first, which she likened to a game of chess before she makes her next move.

“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,” Ngirici said.

Read More

  1. Ruto declares three days of mourning following death of CDF Francis Ogolla
  2. William Ruto announces bold initiatives to spur Kenya's creative economy
  3. Kirinyaga enacts new transport law to decongest towns and protect passengers

In a witty remark, Ngirici said it was time to deliver votes to Ruto and as opposed to time to take photographs. 

She added that she chose to retreat and consolidate Kirinyaga votes, which is the value Ruto is looking for in the party.

“The time to take photos is up. It's time to deliver the votes to H.E Dr. William Ruto. I choose to retreat and consolidate Kirinyaga votes and that is the value that H.E William Ruto is looking for in UDA ~ PWN,” she said.

Ngirici also said she was giving space to newcomers (Waiguru) to enjoy UDA and cited that as her reason for not appearing in Ruto's meetings.

“I'm also giving space for newcomers to enjoy UDA. That's why you won't see me in Ruto’s meetings,” she said.

Ngirici was in the forefront of UDA politics and was sure to bag the UDA ticked in the gubernatorial nominations since her greatest opponent, Waiguru, was assumed to be vying through the Jubilee Party’s ticket.

However, with Waiguru crossing over and joining UDA, the political landscape in Kirinyaga has since changed as the ground has shifted. 

Waiguru is being fronted in some quarters for the position of the DP’s running mate in the 2022 general elections.

This has left Ngirici to play second fiddle somewhat, after making great strides in popularizing UDA in the region.