Protests erupted in Kirinyaga County on October 13 after supporters of Governor Anne Waiguru took to the streets to conedemn remarks by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The demonstrations, which broke out in Mwea and Kerugoya towns, came a day after Gachagua accused Waiguru and other Mount Kenya leaders of “betraying the community” and plotting to divide the region politically ahead of the 2027 general election.
Speaking during a church service at Ambassador of Christ Church in Mwea on October 12, Gachagua vowed to begin naming and shaming leaders he described as “traitors” working to weaken Mount Kenya’s political influence within the Kenya Kwanza government.
“Wherever I go in Mount Kenya, I will be calling out the traitors by name so that people know them,” he declared.
“Whether you are a man or a woman, we will tell our people who the traitors are so that the President doesn’t finish this community.”
Kirinyaga Residents on Protest
His comments, perceived as a direct attack on Governor Waiguru, who is rumored to be forming a political party as she eyes a bid in 2027, sparked outrage among her supporters.
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Protesters accused Gachagua of “targeting successful women leaders” and fueling division within the region.
“We need to respect our leaders; you can’t call her stupid,” a protester said.
“We will not be intimidated just because they want Anne Waiguru’s seat,” another protester added.
Gachagua on Women Leaders
He went further to warn women leaders in the region not to expect sympathy if they are part of what he sees as a betrayal of the community.
“Our women leaders, those of you betraying our community, we will deal with you as traitors,” Gachagua said. “There is no distinction between men and women. A traitor is a traitor.”
“I know Waiguru has been told to form a party. That is a wheelbarrow,” he asserted in a thinly veiled attack on Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru. “If you see that party, know it is a wheelbarrow.”
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Waiguru has not made her plans public and is yet to issue a response to the claims made by Gachagua.
Ruto and Gedion Moi ‘Handshake’
Gachagua accused the president of fueling ethnic divisions, alleging that Ruto had reached out to former Baringo Senator Gideon Moi in a move to consolidate Kalenjin leaders politically.
“Ruto called Gideon Moi; he is collecting Kalenjins to plan a war with Mt. Kenya,” Gachagua claimed. “When he unites Kalenjins, it’s called unity. But when I unite Mt. Kenya, they call it tribal.”
Declaring that the country is “at a crossroads,” Gachagua urged the Mt. Kenya community to stay united despite what he described as efforts by the president to divide them.
“The people Ruto is using to divide us are our own people,” he warned.
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