Protests Erupt in Embu As Women Demand Apology from Former DP Gachagua Over Remarks on Governor Mbarire

The women, numbering over 1,000, staged  peaceful but loud protest, accusing the former DP of uttering demeaning remarks against Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire during his recent tour of the county. The demonstrations caused a traffic snarl-up that stretched for several kilometers, as motorists struggled to navigate through the blocked highway.

Carrying placards and chanting pro-Mbarire slogans, the women marched through Runyenjes town, condemning what they described as a deliberate attempt by Gachagua to humiliate one of the most respected women leaders in the Mt. Kenya region.

Led by Jerusha Wambeti, the demonstrators said Gachagua’s remarks were not only disrespectful to the governor but also an insult to the women of Embu who overwhelmingly voted for Mbarire in the last election.

“We demand that Gachagua apologizes to Governor Mbarire and the women of Embu. He cannot come here and call our governor names. We elected her with much respect, and we believe in her leadership,” said Wambeti amid cheers from the crowd.

Her sentiments were echoed by Teresia Njura, another  demonstrator, who urged the former DP to tour Embu county again and publicly withdraw his statements. She maintained that leaders should uphold mutual respect regardless of their political affiliations.

“No leader should demean another for political gain. Gachagua must learn that leadership is about respect and unity, not insults and division,” said Njura.

The women further accused the former DP of propagating divisive politics in the Mt. Kenya region, claiming his utterances were a direct attack on the gains made by women leaders in Kenya’s political landscape.

Margaret Nyaga warned that Gachagua’s continued disrespect for women in leadership would cost him his political relevance in the region. “Gachagua is losing ground because of his arrogance. Calling other leaders names and disrespecting them is not a sign of strength. It is a sign of weakness,” Nyaga declared.

The protesters also carried banners praising Governor Mbarire for her development record, leadership integrity, and efforts to unite Embu residents across political divides. They vowed to stand by her and shield her from any political intimidation.

During his recent tour of Embu County, Gachagua accused Governor Mbarire of being among Mt. Kenya leaders allegedly used to divide the region politically. Those remarks that have since drawn widespread condemnation.