Protests break out in Kirinyaga over Gachagua’s remarks on Gov Waiguru
Protests break out in Kirinyaga over Gachagua’s remarks on Gov Waiguru
Protests erupted in Kirinyaga County on Monday, October 13, as hundreds of residents took to the streets to defend Governor Anne Waiguru following recent remarks by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The demonstrators, who gathered in Kutus town, condemned Gachagua’s comments as disrespectful, demeaning, and reflective of a deep-seated contempt for women in leadership.
The protesters expressed outrage over Gachagua’s claim that Waiguru was being used politically by President William Ruto, saying the former DP had no moral authority to question the governor’s relationship with the Head of State.
One of the protesters, Beth Wanjiru, said the statement was not only in poor taste but also an insult to women leaders across the country.
“This was not just an attack on Governor Waiguru, it was an attack on every hardworking woman in leadership.
“Governor Waiguru has earned her place through performance, integrity, and vision with her leadership track speaking for itself and as such she need not take directives from anyone,” she remarked.
At the same time, the residents praised Waiguru as a trailblazer who has redefined women’s leadership in Kenya, citing her record as the only woman to be elected governor twice and her two-term tenure as Chairperson of the Council of Governors.
“You can’t diminish Governor Anne Waiguru’s proven track record. Her transformation of Kirinyaga is visible, from modern markets and thriving towns to a world-class referral hospital. Results speak louder than insults,” she added.
The residents went on to accuse Gachagua of engaging in divisive politics and personal attacks rather than focusing on uniting the country.
They claimed that since his ouster, Gachagua has been traveling across Kenya campaigning against Ruto while coercing elected leaders to join his political outfit in an attempt to build a rival power base.
“He has turned his energy to incitement and intimidation. He is imposing leaders on the people and fighting anyone who dares to hold an independent opinion. That is not leadership, it is political blackmail,” one Joseph Mbucho said.
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The protesters further accused Gachagua of holding prejudice against women-led counties, saying his harshest remarks have been directed toward female governors such as Waiguru and Cecily Mbarire in Embu, while remaining noticeably restrained when engaging with male governors.
“It’s clear he has a problem with women in leadership. When he visits women-led counties, he becomes combative and insulting. His kind of politics have no place in modern Kenya,” Mbucho added.
They also dismissed Gachagua’s self-proclaimed title as the Mt. Kenya political kingpin, insisting that leadership must be earned through service, not intimidation or entitlement.
“Leaders like Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta became regional kingpins because they were respected for their leadership, not because they forced people to follow them.
“Even today, Uhuru remains the undisputed Mt. Kenya leader. Gachagua should stop trying to impose himself on people’s throats. Loyalty cannot be demanded, it is earned,” another resident, Jane Njeri, stated.
The unrest followed a fiery statement by Gachagua during a Sunday service at the Ambassador of Christ Church in Mwea, where he vowed to expose what he termed as ‘traitors’ within the Mount Kenya region.
He claimed that certain leaders were working to undermine the unity of the community by aligning too closely with President William Ruto and forming their own political outfits ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua specifically mentioned Waiguru, accusing her of plotting to create a new political party in preparation for the upcoming polls.
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