This archive report was first published on 20 November 2019.
President Uhuru Kenyatta's meeting with Mt Kenya leaders at Sagana State lodge on Friday was marred by the absence of Governor Anne Waiguru of Kirinyaga. The meeting, which was called on short notice, had been expected to bring together key leaders from the region.
According to Waiguru, she had traveled outside the country and was unable to attend the meeting, which was called on Wednesday night. She explained that she could not get a flight from her location, making it difficult for her to return in time for the meeting.
Waiguru's absence had sparked mixed reactions from other Mt Kenya leaders, with some interpreting it as a sign of defiance towards President Kenyatta. However, the governor clarified that she had been following the events at the meeting and was supportive of the President's efforts to transform the lives of Mt Kenya residents.
On the issue of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), Waiguru reaffirmed her support for the initiative, stating that the handshake between President Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga had brought about significant changes in the political landscape of the nation.
Waiguru is among the women leaders who are part of Team Embrace, a group that supports the handshake and BBI.
