Former Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Karanja Kibicho has addressed mounting speculation that he could vie for the Kirinyaga gubernatorial seat in the 2027 general election.
In a statement shared on February 17, Kibicho said many people have been sharing reports assuring him of strong support from the ground.
“People keep calling and stopping me to relay what the ground has agreed. The reports are detailed. The tone is authoritative. The certainty is impressive,” read part of Kibicho’s statement shared on Facebook.
The former powerful PS said he is often told about meetings discussing his political future and even songs praising him, although he has not heard any of them. Despite the constant feedback, Kibicho noted that he has never been part of these meetings and does not receive any official details.
Kibicho said he listens politely and goes on with his day, adding that he is waiting for a clear signal before making any decision.
“Meanwhile, I am waiting for the heavens to speak. So far, the heavens have not said a word,” read part of the post.
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Public Reactions to Kibicho’s Statement
Among them was Francis Muriithi, who noted that the county would benefit from someone with deep experience and a clear understanding of local issues.
He suggested that Kirinyaga needs a leader who understands the county’s challenges from the ground up and can identify practical solutions that make a real difference in people’s daily lives.
According to him, residents are looking for someone who can guide development in the right direction and help unlock the county’s potential. As he put it, “Kirinyaga might find a very important, knowledgeable governor, a guy who knows where to touch to light the village.”
Kibicho’s Background and Past Speculation
Kibicho grew up in Kirinyaga County before studying engineering at the University of Nairobi.
He later rose through senior positions in the national government, in Foreign Affairs and Industrialization, and ultimately served as the Interior PS during former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration, where he played a major role in coordinating government operations.
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His name has surfaced before in Kirinyaga politics. Ahead of the 2022 elections, speculation was rife that he was eyeing the governor’s seat, with claims that he was influencing MCAs.
Kibicho denied the allegations, saying his visits home were focused on helping communities, such as supporting farmers in Mwea, rather than campaigning.
Kirinyaga Leadership
Kirinyaga County is home to about 610,000 residents across six sub-counties: Central, East, West, South, Ndia, and Gichugu.
The governor oversees major functions, including health services, road development, and agriculture.
A 32‑member County Assembly approves budgets and development plans like the 2023–2027 CIDP, which focuses on irrigation expansion and job creation.
Anne Waiguru became governor in 2017, succeeding Joseph Ndathi, and retained the seat in 2022, with plans to improve health, expand access to clean water, and support farmers.
Like many counties, Waiguru’s administration has faced public concerns about project delays and occasional tensions with MCAs.
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