This archive report was first published on 4 November 2019.
Published on November 4, 2019, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru's presence at Kibra was not just about the by-election but a strategic move to boost her national profile ahead of the 2022 general elections.
Waiguru, accompanied by Ukambani governors Alfred Mutua (Machakos), Kivutha Kibwana (Makueni), and Charity Ngilu (Kitui), joined ODM leader Raila Odinga and other politicians in Kibra to drum up support for Imran Okoth in the upcoming November 7th by-election.
"We must say in plain truth that the country is peaceful because of the handshake. We will protect it," Waiguru said, echoing the sentiments of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) that she asked the people to support as "that's where the 2022 government will come from".
Waiguru's remarks were seen as a clear endorsement of the BBI and the handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga, which she described as the foundation of the country's peace.
"The others who claim they want to bring developments are just baiting you. They are a one-man guitar, unlike Imran who is the fruit of handshake," Waiguru said, urging her supporters to vote for the handshake.
Waiguru's presence at Kibra was seen as a calculated move to position herself for a possible national role, with President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga actively involved in catapulting her to the national scene.
