Kirinyaga Woman Representative and 2022 gubernatorial aspirant Wangui Ngirici now says she is taking some time off United Democratic Alliance’s (UDA) rallies to self-reflect and strategize on her next move.
“Politics is like a chess game, you must study it well. I have retreated to study it carefully before making my next move,” Ngirici told The Standard on Wednesday.
“I’m also giving space for newcomers to enjoy UDA. That’s why you won’t see me in Ruto’s meetings,” she added, taking a swipe at Waiguru, who recently decamped from Jubilee to UDA and whom she will be facing in the quest for Kirinyaga’s top seat.
Ngirici accused Waiguru of political indecisiveness, saying she copies her moves, but noted that she is unfazed by the effects of Waiguru’s move to UDA last month on her prospects.
“I’m confident that my supporters will follow me, regardless of the pedestal I’d be standing on.”
“It’s now her turn to pose for pictures with Ruto, something I had done for four years,” she added.
Following Waiguru’s move to UDA on October 26, Ngirici told Citizen TV that she will not allow herself to be convinced by any agents within UDA to step down from the gubernatorial race in favour of Waiguru, saying she has been loyal to the party for longer than the governor.
She added that she is confident she will beat Waiguru for the UDA ticket in the nominations stage.
“The governor lost her ground a long time ago, immediately after she was elected, so her move doesn’t change anything. Actually, it just gives me less competition, because after nominations – and I know I will beat her – I’ll go and compete with fewer people.” said Ngirici.
Other candidates in the race for Kirinyaga’s top seat are NARC-Kenya leader Martha Karua, forrmer Kirinyaga Governor Joseph Ndathi, former Mwea MP Peter Gitau, Chomba Ndau and sitting Deputy Governor Peter Ndambiri.