“A Dangerous Attack on Democracy”: Activist Kipkorir Ngetich Condemns Rigathi Gachagua Over Remarks Targeting Women Governors

Eldoret-based human rights activist and governance advocate Kipkorir Ngetich has issued a scathing condemnation of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of engaging in a deliberate and dangerous campaign against women leaders in Kenya, particularly those from the Mt. Kenya region.

In a detailed statement released to the press on Monday, Ngetich described Gachagua’s recent verbal attacks on Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga as “primitive, reckless, and a direct assault on the foundational principles of gender equality, democracy, and progressive leadership.”

“We wish to condemn in the strongest terms possible the unwarranted and deeply disturbing attacks against women leaders by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. His recent outburst is not only a disgrace but also a shameful stain on Kenya’s political landscape,” Ngetich said.

Gender Equality Under Threat

Ngetich expressed grave concern that Gachagua’s remarks, which he described as politically motivated, risk undermining years of hard-won progress in gender representation and the empowerment of the girl child in leadership and public service.

“These attacks are not isolated political statements—they are part of a broader, more sinister agenda to roll back the clock on gender inclusivity and dismantle the gains we have made as a country in empowering women,” he said.

The activist drew parallels with global female leaders such as Hillary Clinton, Margaret Thatcher, and Condoleezza Rice, stating that their leadership demonstrated the strength, intellect, and resilience that women can bring to the highest levels of governance. He insisted that Governors Waiguru, Mbarire, and Wanga exemplify these same values.

“The three governors have demonstrated integrity, commitment to service delivery, and level-headed leadership, unlike many of their male counterparts embroiled in corruption and political showdowns,” he stated.

Calls for Political Maturity and Respect

Ngetich warned that the former deputy president’s statements were not just disrespectful but dangerous, as they could incite the public against democratically elected leaders, especially women, and destabilize regions where political tolerance is still fragile.

“Any leader who incites citizens against sitting governors for personal political gain should be rejected. It is unacceptable for someone who once held the office of Deputy President to stoop so low as to target women simply because they stand in the way of his ambitions,” he said.

He urged Mt. Kenya residents to recognize and reject what he termed “a dictator in the making,” warning that Gachagua’s brand of politics was rooted in tribalism, misogyny, and intolerance.

“Women from Mt. Kenya and across the country must be protected. If we allow such political warmongering to persist, we risk silencing an entire generation of female leaders,” Ngetich cautioned.

A Call to Action: Defend the Gains of the Girl Child

Referencing Kenya’s long journey toward gender equity—from the Beijing Declaration to the inclusion of the two-thirds gender rule in the 2010 Constitution—Ngetich said it would be a betrayal to allow regressive forces to erode the space women have fought so hard to claim in leadership.

“The journey for women’s inclusion in politics did not come on a silver platter. It took decades of sacrifice, advocacy, and resilience. Now, because of political jealousy and selfish ambition, we are seeing efforts to push women out of leadership. This cannot and must not be allowed,” he emphasized.

Ngetich urged all political parties, civil society, and citizens to stand in solidarity with women leaders and to hold political formations accountable for how they treat and represent female politicians.

“Any political party or leader that does not actively support and protect the space of women in leadership should be rejected and voted out in totality,” he declared.

Defending Leaders Who Deliver

According to Ngetich, the performance of Waiguru, Mbarire, and Wanga speaks for itself, citing tangible development milestones, enhanced public service delivery, and citizen engagement under their leadership.

“At a time when many governors are accused of looting public resources or fueling political chaos, these three women have focused on results. They are in touch with the ground realities and have stayed away from petty political wars,” he noted.

He called on voters, especially from Mt. Kenya, to reward performance over propaganda by giving Governors Waiguru and Mbarire a second term to complete their transformative agendas.

“It would be a political and developmental disaster if the people of Mt. Kenya succumbed to Gachagua’s inciteful politics and voted out hardworking leaders like Waiguru and Mbarire,” Ngetich said.

He warned that future women aspirants in the region are now under threat, and that the attacks on current women governors set a dangerous precedent for silencing the voices of female politicians.

A Plea for Unity and Vigilance

Concluding his statement, Ngetich reminded Kenyans of the broader mission of leadership—to uplift all citizens, regardless of gender, tribe, or region—and called for unity in defending the values of democracy, equality, and justice.

“The Kenya we want is one that values leadership based on integrity, compassion, and competence—not one that vilifies people based on gender or political alignment. We must not let political bullies dismantle our democratic gains,” he said.

He reiterated his commitment to defending human rights, gender equality, and accountable leadership, and urged civil society and media to shine a light on what he called “a creeping culture of intolerance and misogyny.”“This is not just about three governors. It is about the soul of our democracy. If we are silent now, we risk waking up to a Kenya that has no space for women, no room for dissent, and no future for equality.”