Purity Ngirici hints at running as Independent candidate in Kirinyaga’s gubernatorial contest
After months of expressing her discomfort with the arrival of her political nemesis and Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru to Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, Kirinyaga Woman Representative Purity Ngirici now seems to be considering quitting the nascent party.
The outspoken politician hinted at ditching the party and vying for Kirinyaga gubernatorial seat on an Independent ticket in next year's polls.
Speaking in the Kiamagumo area in the Gichugu constituency during the burial of a slain assistant chief, Ngirici asked residents to vote for leaders based on their development record and not the party that will sponsor their bids.
“I would also like to remind those individuals joining various parties that the people of Kirinyaga will elect the person and not the party," Ngirici said.
In a statement that many regarded as a hint that she would be quitting UDA and will be running as an independent candidate, Ngirici said that people of Kirinyaga had previously elected an independent candidate after they felt that the person who was given the party ticket was not good for them.
"In the last election, you people of Kirinyaga elected an MCA on an independent ticket because you were not pleased with the people who was endorsed by the party," she said.
"Even now, don't look at the party, elect your leaders based on what the candidate will bring to the table."
Her statement comes months after she revealed that she was taking a break from the UDA politics and will be taking time to reevaluate her political stand.
She said that she will make a political move that will best suit her and when she does so, she is confident that her supporters will follow her in whatever direction she takes.
“I am confident that my supporters will follow me, regardless of the pedestal I’d be standing on,” she said in an interview with a local publication.
According to political observers, Ngirici feels that DP Ruto will favour Waiguru for the UDA party ticket due to their close relationship and leave her out.
