BY MIRAJ GUO
MAY 12, 2026
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has issued a rare public apology to residents of the Mt. Kenya region over the 2024 impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, acknowledging that the decision caused deep political resentment and weakened the government’s support base in the region.
Speaking on Monday during the commissioning of a water project in Mwea, Waiguru admitted that the removal of the former Deputy President significantly angered residents and created lasting political strain for leaders allied to the administration.
“I know that act angered you greatly, having your leader removed from office,I apologise on behalf of the government and those who were involved. That act has made it very difficult to defend the government on this mountain.”waigure said
The Governor described the impeachment as a “serious political mistake,” marking a notable shift in tone from her earlier stance and signalling growing political recalibration in Mt. Kenya ahead of the 2027 General Election cycle.
Waiguru noted that although governors were not directly involved in the parliamentary process that led to the impeachment, she accepted “collective responsibility” as part of the current administration.
She further acknowledged that the fallout has “rubbed residents the wrong way,” making it increasingly difficult for pro-government leaders to mobilise support in a region that has historically been a key political stronghold.
Despite the apology, Waiguru urged residents not to allow political grievances to hinder development, calling for unity and continued engagement with the national government to ensure ongoing projects are completed.
“Let us not allow this pain to separate us from the rest of Kenya for the next 20 years,” she said, urging continued cooperation with President William Ruto’s administration.
The remarks have sparked mixed reactions across the region, with some residents welcoming the apology as a step toward reconciliation, while others questioned its timing and motive ahead of the next election cycle.
The 2024 impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua remains a defining political moment in Kenya’s recent history, continuing to influence political alignments in the Mt. Kenya region.
