This archive report was first published on 14 June 2020.
June 14, 2020
Embattled Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has sought the support of ODM leader Raila Odinga to save her job in the Senate, amid intense lobbying and a looming impeachment motion.
The two met on Thursday evening at an exclusive club in Karen, Nairobi, where they discussed ways to whip ODM and other 'friendly' senators to defeat the motion.
According to a source, the meeting was attended by a few aides, Kiambu Governor James Nyoro, and Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, who joined Waiguru before Odinga and his trusted MPs arrived.
During the meeting, Waiguru reportedly told Odinga that things were already promising from the Kieleweke wing of Jubilee in the Senate and all she needed was his help with the ODM side.
State House has not publicly spoken about the matter, but the chest-thumping by leaders allied to Deputy President William Ruto, such as Kirinyaga Woman Representative Purity Ngirici, appears to have set in motion steps to save Waiguru.
Ngirici has accused Odinga of trying to 'redeem politicians who are corrupt beyond repair', but Odinga's spokesman Denis Onyango said he didn't know about the meeting.
Multiple sources, however, confirmed to the Sunday Nation that Waiguru sought Odinga's help to rally his troops to shoot down the impeachment motion when it comes to the floor of the House.
Other sources also told us that with a looming referendum and the BBI report, Waiguru is needed, although she has made enemies, even in high places. She is thus being saved 'for the overall good of the prevailing political alignment, not necessarily because she deserves it', one source said.
Waiguru declined our request for an interview.
Senate Majority Chief Whip Irungu Kang'ata said the ultimate decision on whether the case will be handled by the 11-member committee or all senators will be made by the House.
He, however, pointed out that the difference between Waiguru's case and that of former Kiambu governor Ferdinand Waititu is that by the time Waititu's motion was being tabled in the Senate, the EACC had already investigated and recommended to the Director of Public Prosecutions to proceed with the court case while in Waiguru's case the EACC has not given such a recommendation.
Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka said: 'I want to assure Kenyans that Senate is a House of integrity and shall serve justice to both the assembly and the governor without fear or favour.'
