Protests broke out in Kirinyaga County on October 13, as residents marched through Kutus town to defend Governor Anne Waiguru following remarks by DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua.
The demonstrators accused Gachagua of making disrespectful and demeaning statements toward Waiguru, which they said reflected contempt for women in leadership.
They took issue with Gachagua’s claim that Waiguru was being used politically by President William Ruto, saying he had no moral authority to question her relationship with the Head of State.
Kirinyaga Residents Protest in Support of Governor Waiguru After Gachagua Remarks. Photo: Courtesy.
One protester, Beth Wanjiru, described Gachagua’s remarks as offensive and insulting to women leaders across the country.
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.
The residents went on to accuse Rigathi Gachagua of engaging in divisive politics and launching personal attacks instead of championing national unity.
They alleged that since his ouster, Gachagua has been touring the country to campaign against President Ruto while pressuring elected leaders to join his emerging political faction in a bid to establish a rival power base.
They moreover accused him of harboring prejudice against women-led counties, saying his harshest attacks have targeted governors Anne Waiguru and Cecily Mbarire while sparing male counterparts.
They also dismissed his claim to be the Mt. Kenya kingpin, insisting that leadership is earned through service, not intimidation.
The unrest followed Gachagua’s remarks during a church service in Mwea, where he vowed to expose “traitors” allegedly aligning with President Ruto and forming new political parties ahead of the 2027 polls.
