Tension gripped Kirinyaga County on Monday, October 13, 2025, after Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua allegedly made disparaging remarks against Governor Anne Waiguru during a church service held in the area the previous day.
The demonstrations, which broke out early in the morning, saw hundreds of residents mostly women march through the streets of Kutus town, chanting pro-Waiguru slogans and carrying placards denouncing Gachagua’s comments. Many identified themselves as loyal supporters of the county boss and demanded that the Deputy President respect elected women leaders.
The protesters lit bonfires along the busy Kutus–Samson Road, causing heavy traffic snarl-ups and drawing the attention of police officers who were deployed to maintain order. Some of the placards read “Respect Women Leaders” and “The Choice is Ours”, underscoring the growing frustration among locals who felt that Gachagua’s remarks were both disrespectful and politically motivated.
One of the protesters said Gachagua was attempting to coerce the Mount Kenya voting bloc into following his political direction.
“He should know that Governor Waiguru did not place herself in office. We voted her in. So when he insults the governor, he is also insulting us,” she said.
Another demonstrator accused Gachagua’s allies of fueling the rift for personal gain.
“Those people inciting you (Gachagua) to insult Waiguru only want her seat. They should know we are the ones responsible for choosing the next governor,” she stated.
The growing tension between Gachagua and Waiguru reflects the widening political cracks within the Mount Kenya region as leaders jostle for influence ahead of the 2027 General Election. Despite the protests, Governor Waiguru has yet to issue an official statement responding to Gachagua’s remarks.
