Embu Erupts: Anti-Gachagua Protests Paralyze Town Over ‘Attack’ on Governor Mbarire

Embu Erupts: Anti-Gachagua Protests Paralyze Town Over ‘Attack’ on Governor Mbarire

Embu town came to a dramatic halt on Tuesday, October 14, as hundreds of furious residents flooded the streets in protest against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The demonstrators, mostly women, accused Gachagua of disrespecting their Governor, Cecily Mbarire.

“We Will Fast and Pray Until He Apologizes”

Armed with placards, whistles, and vuvuzelas, the protestors marched through Embu’s busy streets. Their message was loud and clear: Gachagua must apologize.

“I want this message to reach Gachagua. We will fast and pray, and if he wants peace, he should beg for forgiveness from our governor,” one resident declared.

The crowd chanted “two-term” slogans, a phrase now popular among President William Ruto’s supporters, while music systems blared in the background.

“Attacking Mbarire Is Attacking Embu”

The protestors insisted that Gachagua’s remarks were not just personal but an insult to the entire county.

“Attacking Governor Mbarire is attacking Embu. We won’t allow it,” shouted another protestor.

Gachagua had accused Mbarire and Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru of betraying the Mount Kenya community by aligning with the Kenya Kwanza administration.

“Let us agree on what I will do. Wherever I go in Mount Kenya, I will be calling out the traitors by name so that people know them. 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,” Gachagua said during a church service on Sunday, October 12.

“We Voted Her In, Not You”

The backlash was swift. On Monday, Kirinyaga residents held similar protests in Mwea, lighting bonfires and blocking roads.

“He should know the governor did not place herself in office. We voted her in. So when he insults the governor, he is also insulting us,” said a Kirinyaga protestor.

“Those people inciting you so that you insult Waiguru only want her seat. They should know we are the ones responsible for voting in the next governor,” added another.

“Respect Women Leaders”

Placards carried powerful messages like “Respect Our Leaders” and “Hands Off Mbarire.” Many viewed Gachagua’s comments as a targeted attack on female leadership in the region.

As Embu’s streets remained blocked and businesses shuttered, the message from residents was unmistakable: they demand respect, unity, and accountability.

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Embu Erupts: Anti-Gachagua Protests Paralyze Town Over ‘Attack’ on Governor Mbarire