Kindiki defends governors Waiguru, Mbarire after Gachagua’s remarks

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has come out strongly in defence of Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru and Embu’s Cecily Mbarire.

The DP described them as exemplary leaders who have made the country proud through their success in public administration and politics.

In a statement on Tuesday, Kindiki praised the two governors for their leadership and resilience, saying they had outperformed those attempting to undermine them.

This follows a protest in Kirinyaga on Monday to demand accountability following former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s remarks targeting Governor Waiguru, among other leaders.

“Governors Anne Waiguru and Cecily Mbarire have done our country proud as exemplary and successful political leaders. The two have variously held senior positions in public administration and politics, outpacing the naive, arrogant novices trying to bully them into submission,” he said.

“This primitive, prideful and know-it-all political bigotry and misadventure will collapse on its head: It is a matter of time.”

He urged political leaders to embrace civility and tolerance, saying democracy in modern Kenya must be built on persuasion and mutual respect rather than tribal politics.

“In the 21st century Kenya, democracy has to be about persuasion, respect for one another, and canvassing policy alternatives. It cannot be about useless, dangerous ethnic chauvinism that recklessly pits sections of our country against the others. Respect the people and their leaders,” he said.

Speaking at Kutus town during street demonstrations against Gachagua, the residents described the remarks as disrespectful, demeaning, and reflective of a deep-seated contempt for women in leadership.

They expressed outrage over Gachagua’s claims that Governor Waiguru was being ‘used politically by President William Ruto’, saying the former DP has no moral authority to lecture other leaders over their association with the Head of State. 

One of the protesters, Beth Wanjiru, said the statement was in bad taste and amounted to an insult not just to the governor but to all women leaders across the country.

 “This was not just an attack on Governor Waiguru; it was an attack on every hardworking woman in leadership. Governor Waiguru has earned her place through performance, integrity, and vision, with her leadership track speaking for itself, and as such, she need not take directives from anyone.” Wanjiru said.

The residents praised Waiguru as a trailblazer who has redefined women’s leadership in Kenya, citing her historic achievements as the only woman to be elected governor twice, as well as her two-term tenure as Chairperson of the Council of Governors, positions they said she earned through competence and national recognition.