Anne Mumbi Waiguru, EGH, is a Kenyan politician serving her second term as Governor of Kirinyaga County. Born on 16 April 1971 in Pumwani, Nairobi, she later moved to Kirinyaga County. She previously served as Cabinet Secretary for Devolution and Planning under former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Waiguru began her education at Nairobi River Primary School before joining Precious Blood Girls’ Secondary School in Riruta, where she sat her O-Level examinations in 1987. She later attended Moi Forces Academy in Nairobi, completing her A-Level studies in 1989.

She proceeded to Egerton University, earning a bachelor’s degree in agriculture and home economics before obtaining a master’s degree in economics from the University of Nairobi.

Waiguru began her career as an intern and research assistant at Transparency International before joining the Kenya Leadership Institute. She later worked in government, providing technical assistance to the Public Service Reform Secretariat in the Cabinet Office.

She subsequently became director of the Integrated Financial Management and Information System (IFMIS) and head of governance at the National Treasury. Her responsibilities included public finance, financial management and government reforms. In 2011, she was named among Kenya’s Top 40 Under 40 Women.

In April 2013, President Uhuru Kenyatta appointed Waiguru Cabinet Secretary for Devolution and Planning.

Waiguru resigned in 2015 amid controversy surrounding the National Youth Service scandal. She denied wrongdoing and was cleared by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission in February 2016.

She entered elective politics in 2016 through The National Alliance (TNA), preparing to contest the Kirinyaga gubernatorial seat in the 2017 General Election. She defeated veteran politician SC Hon Martha Karua and became governor.

In 2020, the Kirinyaga County Assembly impeached Waiguru over allegations concerning her administration. The Senate dismissed the impeachment motion, allowing her to remain in office.

In the August 2022 General Election, Waiguru defended her seat against then Kirinyaga Woman Representative Purity Ngirici. She won with 113,088 votes, securing her second five-year term.

She was elected chairperson of the Council of Governors in September 2022, becoming the first woman to hold the position. She was re-elected in 2023 and served until October 2024.

Waiguru married veteran constitutional lawyer Kamotho Waiganjo on 13 July 2019 in a traditional Kikuyu wedding ceremony in Kirinyaga County. She has three sons from her previous marriage to Tony Waiguru Njuguna.

As her second term approaches its conclusion, Waiguru has expressed interest in becoming Deputy President in the 2027 General Election. Her name has featured in discussions about possible running mates for President William Ruto.