NAIROBI: Former Devolution Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru has said she is yet to make a decision on her gubernatorial bid in 2017.
Waiguru said she is consulting with experienced politicians who have approached her, businessmen and religious leaders before she clears the air on her said candidature.
Speaking after attending a church service in Komarock, Nairobi Sunday, the former CS said her plan is to interact with the youth and women in their communities in order to know their needs and desires before making an informed decision.
“Being a governor is a job for the people. So one cannot just wake up one day and decide to run. With the counsel from politicians and other leaders, I will be able to let the people know of the outcome,” she said.
Ms Waiguru was endorsed by over 200 women from 17 constituencies at an earlier forum who urged her to contest for the Nairobi seat. Others were however urging her contest for the same seat in Kirinyaga County considering the tight competition that is associated with Nairobi.
Although Ms Waiguru did not openly accept the endorsement insisting that she will ‘pray and consult’ over it, her interest is expected to stir political tuff wars considering the present Nairobi governor Dr Evans Kidero is keen to retain the position. Others eyeing the same include Bishop Margaret Wanjiru among others.
Asked if her tainted image as the Devolution CS will affect her bid, Waiguru reiterated that her track record is clean and speaks for itself: “I have initiated programmes for women and youth in the slum areas which have helped bring up the lives of many Kenyans. This is the job that I plan to continue with.”
On resigning from the position following the Sh791 million National Youth Service (NYS) scandal, Waiguru had asked the president for lighter duties. However, her interest seems to have turned to a political seat which is considered more challenging.
“It depends on how you see it. Besides, being a CS meant dealing with all counties but a governor deals with lean responsibilities for only one county. So yes, these will be lighter duties,” she said.
