Former DP and Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua waves at the crowd during a meeting with rice farmers in Mwea, Kirinyaga county, October 14, 2025. /RIGATHI GCAHGUA/X
By: Kimani Muriithi
Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua has reignited political tensions in Mt Kenya after boldly declaring Kirinyaga County his turf, brushing off backlash over his recent remarks targeting Governor Anne Waiguru.
Speaking in Mwea yesterday, the former Deputy President dismissed critics who condemned his attacks on Waiguru, labeling her a political pawn of President William Ruto. Gachagua doubled down, branding any Mt Kenya leader allied with the president a “traitor” to the region.
His comments sparked outrage, especially among women in Kirinyaga, who rallied in Kutus town to defend Waiguru’s legacy. They hailed her as a trailblazer — the only woman elected governor twice and a two-term chair of the Council of Governors — and accused Gachagua of undermining women in leadership.
Some residents went as far as vowing to block Gachagua from ever setting foot in the county. But he fired back with bravado, declaring Kirinyaga his “bedroom” — a place he could enter at will.
“Katika siasa ya Kenya, Mwea na Kirinyaga ni bedroom ya nani?” he asked the crowd, who roared back, “Ni bedroom ya Riggy G.”
He challenged his detractors to face him directly, saying those questioning his political dominance should have attended the same event, which focused on grievances from rice farmers — a group he claimed the government had abandoned.
“Rice farmers in Mwea deserve leaders who listen,” he said. “We must stand with those who feed the nation.”
Gachagua urged residents to remember who truly fights for them and hinted at a political reckoning in 2027. Meanwhile, Waiguru has yet to respond publicly, though her supporters’ reactions suggest a brewing battle for Mt Kenya’s political soul.
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