Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire has accused former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of orchestrating violence during recent Gen Z-led protests in Embu town and Kiritiri. Speaking during a press briefing after touring damaged sites, Mbarire alleged that the youth demonstrations were hijacked by politically sponsored goons with the intention of destabilizing her administration.
The governor claimed that the violence was part of a broader political scheme devised during a recent gathering in Embu town where the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) unveiled its 2027 aspirants. During the event, Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji was endorsed as the party’s preferred gubernatorial candidate a move Mbarire sees as a direct challenge to her leadership.
“I am tired of the constant sabotage. These protests were hijacked and weaponized to paint my government as weak, yet we know where the orders were coming from,” said Mbarire. She further accused MP Mukunji of being Gachagua’s proxy, alleging he played a key role in mobilizing and coordinating the violent disruptions.
Describing the chaos as a “targeted attack on Embu’s stability and prosperity,” Mbarire warned that political interference in the county’s affairs would not be tolerated. She noted that 23 people were injured during the protests, including 18 police officers one of whom remains in critical condition at Embu Level 5 Hospital.
The demonstrations left a trail of destruction, with public and private institutions such as the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), National Social Security Fund (NSSF), Post Bank, National Government offices, and Safaricom’s Embu branch being extensively vandalized.
While the governor reaffirmed the youth’s constitutional right to peaceful assembly, she strongly condemned the violent turn of events. “We must not allow genuine grievances to be hijacked by selfish political interests. Embu deserves peace, stability, and progress,” she declared.
Governor Mbarire’s remarks have sparked renewed tensions within the Mt Kenya region’s political landscape, highlighting the deepening rivalry between her camp and allies of Gachagua ahead of the 2027 elections.
