Embu Governor Accuses Ex-DP Gachagua of Sponsoring Chaos in Youth Protests

 

Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire has accused former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of orchestrating violence in the county by allegedly sponsoring goons to infiltrate youth-led protests, resulting in widespread chaos and destruction in Embu town and Kiritiri.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Friday, Mbarire claimed the unrest was part of a calculated political plot to destabilize her administration ahead of the 2027 general elections. She pointed fingers at Gachagua and Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji—whom she accused of harboring gubernatorial ambitions—as the masterminds behind the violence.

“These protests were hijacked by politically motivated elements, sponsored by those who wish to see Embu in turmoil for their selfish gain,” Mbarire said. “The right to peaceful protest is enshrined in our Constitution, but what we witnessed was blatant sabotage and an attempt to undermine legitimate leadership.”

The protests, which began peacefully earlier in the week as part of the national youth-led anti-tax demonstrations, turned violent on Thursday. According to police reports, 23 people were injured during the clashes, including 18 police officers. Several key government offices in Embu and Kiritiri were vandalized, with property damage estimated in the millions.

Mbarire vowed to take firm action against those found culpable, warning that violence and political interference would not be tolerated in Embu County.

“I am calling for a full investigation into these incidents, and I urge national security agencies to hold accountable those behind the chaos, regardless of their political stature,” she said.

Neither Gachagua nor MP Mukunji had responded to the allegations by the time of publication. However, sources close to the former deputy president dismissed the claims as “baseless and desperate.”

The latest unrest adds a volatile twist to Kenya’s increasingly tense political landscape, with local leaders accusing national figures of exploiting grassroots protests for political mileage. Meanwhile, youth organizers have distanced themselves from the violence, insisting their demonstrations remain peaceful and issue-driven.

Security in the county has been heightened, and Governor Mbarire has appealed for calm, urging residents not to be swayed by what she described as “political theatrics and incitement.”