A section of demonstrating women at Runyenjes town in Embu County on Tuesday morning. Photo/handout
The protest disrupted traffic and business along the Embu–Meru highway as demonstrators carried placards and chanted slogans, warning Gachagua to desist from targeting women leaders.
A protester, Teresia Njura, said, “If he insults our governor, he insults all of us. We demand respect.” Another, Dionisia Wambeti, alleged that Gachagua often uses public forums to diminish Mbarire’s leadership.
Several participants challenged Gachagua’s criticism of healthcare services in Embu, saying accountability should be extended to all levels of governance. They pledged continued support for Mbarire, while urging political discourse without personal attacks.
The demonstration came days after Gachagua addressed rallies in Runyenjes and Kiritiri on Saturday, where he accused local leaders, including Mbarire, of being used by President William Ruto to sow division in the Mt Kenya region. He urged voters to reject what he described as “traitors” in the 2027 election.
When Gachagua later visited Runyenjes, tensions flared: his supporters claimed that men alleged to have been hired by Mbarire attempted to disrupt the meeting, but were overpowered by his backers.
Meanwhile, in neighboring Kirinyaga on Tuesday, women also staged a protest in Kutus, accusing Gachagua of undermining Governor Anne Waiguru.
Later on Tuesday, Gachagua had made a politically high-visibility return to
Mwea in Kirinyaga, where supporters received him amid chants of “Wantam.”
