Chaos Erupts in Embu as Angry Residents Storm Streets After Gachagua’s “Attack” on Governor Mbarire

Tension gripped Embu Town on Tuesday afternoon after angry residents staged massive protests against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of launching a verbal attack on their governor, Cecily Mbarire.

Businesses were shut down and transport paralyzed as hundreds of demonstrators — mostly women — filled the streets blowing whistles, waving placards, and chanting pro-Mbarire slogans. 

The protesters demanded that Gachagua publicly apologize for what they termed as disrespectful remarks toward their county leader.

Some of the placards read “Respect Our Leaders” and “Hands Off Mbarire,” while loudspeakers blasted chants of “Two-Term!” — a slogan linked to supporters of President William Ruto.

“I want this message to reach Gachagua — we will fast and pray until he apologizes to our governor. If he wants peace, let him beg for forgiveness,” shouted one resident.

The uproar follows remarks made by Gachagua on Sunday, October 12, where he accused Governor Mbarire and her Kirinyaga counterpart of “betraying the mountain” by supporting President Ruto. 

He warned that he would publicly name and shame leaders who had allegedly “turned against their own people.”

“Wherever I go in Mount Kenya, I will be calling out the traitors by name so that our people know them. Whether man or woman, we will expose them,” Gachagua declared during a weekend rally.

His words quickly ignited backlash across the region. On Monday, October 13, similar protests erupted in Kirinyaga County, where demonstrators blocked roads and lit bonfires while defending Governor Anne Waiguru from what they termed as targeted insults.

Protesters accused Gachagua of trying to use intimidation to control Mount Kenya politics. 

“When he insults Waiguru or Mbarire, he’s insulting all of us who voted them in,” said one enraged woman.

Authorities are now on high alert as political tensions in the Mount Kenya region appear to be escalating — with leaders and residents sharply divided over loyalty to President Ruto and Gachagua’s emerging political faction.