Transport and business operations in Embu town were disrupted on Tuesday, October 14, as residents took to the streets to protest against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The demonstrators accused Gachagua of disrespecting Governor Cecily Mbarire, claiming he had been undermining her leadership over her close association with President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Armed with placards, whistles, and vuvuzelas, the largely female crowd marched through the streets chanting slogans and demanding that Gachagua respect the county’s leadership.
Hundreds March in Embu Protesting Against Former Deputy President Gachagua. Photo: Courtesy.
The protesters also played loud music from mounted speakers, with the now-popular “two-term” chant — a phrase linked to President Ruto’s supporters — echoing across the town throughout the demonstration.
They moreover demanded that Gachagua issue a public apology to Governor Cecily Mbarire.
They argued that his recent remarks attacking the county boss were an insult to the entire Embu community.
Their call came after Gachagua, during a speech on Sunday, October 12, accused Governor Mbarire and her Kirinyaga counterpart of betraying him by aligning with President William Ruto’s administration.
The comments quickly sparked outrage across the Mt. Kenya region.
On Monday, October 13, residents of Kirinyaga County also staged protests in Mwea, marching with placards condemning the DCP leader’s statements.
They lit bonfires along the busy Kutus–Samson Road, causing traffic disruptions and drawing the attention of local authorities.
Protesters in both counties accused Gachagua of undermining women leaders and attempting to use intimidation to sway Mt. Kenya’s political direction, vowing to defend their governors against political attacks.
