Tension in Kirinyaga as Residents Block Road in Protest Against Gachagua’s Remarks on Governor Waiguru

 

Tensions flared in Kirinyaga County on Monday after angry residents took to the streets and blocked the Kutus–Samson Corner road to protest against remarks made by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, which they claim were demeaning to Governor Anne Waiguru.

The demonstrators, chanting pro-Waiguru slogans and carrying placards condemning Gachagua’s comments, accused the former DP of disrespecting the county’s leadership and undermining a democratically elected governor.

"We demand respect for our governor. If Gachagua cannot respect Anne Waiguru, then he is not welcome here!" one protester shouted amid cheers from the crowd.

Traffic was brought to a standstill for several hours as the protesters lit bonfires and barricaded the busy road, which connects key towns within the county. Motorists were forced to seek alternative routes as police watched cautiously from a distance.

The residents warned that Gachagua — who hails from neighboring Nyeri County — risks further backlash if he continues what they termed as "political intimidation" against Kirinyaga leaders.

“This is not the first time the former DP has targeted Governor Waiguru with condescending statements. We are tired of this bullying,” said another protester. “Let him know that Kirinyaga will not tolerate disrespect.”

Though it remains unclear what specific remarks triggered the latest uproar, sources close to the county administration suggest that Gachagua made disparaging statements during a recent political event, questioning Governor Waiguru’s leadership and influence in Mount Kenya politics.

The protest comes amid growing political tension in the Mount Kenya region, where succession politics and internal party divisions have sparked rivalries among key political figures, including Waiguru, Gachagua, and others positioning themselves for future leadership roles.

In a brief statement shared on social media, Governor Waiguru did not directly respond to the remarks but urged leaders to focus on development rather than divisive rhetoric.

“Let us build, not break. Let’s uplift, not demean. Leadership is about service, not supremacy,” she wrote.

Attempts to reach Mr. Gachagua for comment were unsuccessful, and no official statement had been issued by his office at the time of publishing.

County police said calm was later restored and the road reopened after negotiations with local leaders, but they cautioned residents against engaging in disruptive protests in the future.

As the political temperature continues to rise ahead of the 2027 general elections, observers say the protest may signal a deepening rift within the Mount Kenya leadership, particularly between pro- and anti-Gachagua factions.