Tension gripped Kirinyaga County on Monday, October 13, 2025, as hundreds of residents mainly women marched through the streets to protest remarks made by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Carrying placards reading “Hatutaki Gachagua” and “Respect Women Leaders”, the demonstrators voiced strong opposition to what they described as disrespectful and divisive comments targeting female leaders. The protests, which disrupted traffic along the busy Kutus–Samson Road, were marked by small bonfires and chants in support of Governor Anne Waiguru.
Many protesters accused Gachagua of attempting to intimidate Mount Kenya leaders and manipulate political loyalties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The governor did not place herself in office; we voted her in. When he insults her, he insults us as well,” one protester said. Another added, “Those encouraging him to attack Waiguru are only after her seat. We are the ones who will decide the next governor.”
The demonstrations followed remarks Gachagua made on Sunday during a church service at the Ambassador of Christ Church in Mwea, where he criticized Mount Kenya leaders allied with President William Ruto, including Governors Anne Waiguru and Cecily Mbarire.
Gachagua alleged that Waiguru was working with the President to divide the region politically and was planning to form a new party to contest a senatorial seat under Ruto’s direction.
His statements drew condemnation from various quarters, including Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu, who accused Gachagua of using demeaning language against women leaders and warned that female politicians would not remain silent.
The protests in Kirinyaga underscored growing political tension in the Mount Kenya region, with residents and leaders alike calling for mutual respect and restraint as the 2027 elections draw closer.
