Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire has launched a strong attack against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of orchestrating chaos during recent youth-led demonstrations in Embu town and Kiritiri.
Speaking during a press briefing after assessing damage from the protests, Mbarire alleged that Gachagua, in collaboration with a section of local leaders, sponsored violent groups to hijack the otherwise peaceful Gen Z protests. She claimed the intent was to destabilize her administration and portray her leadership as ineffective.
“I am tired of the constant sabotage. These protests were hijacked and weaponized to paint my government as weak, yet we know where the orders were coming from,” the governor asserted.
Mbarire linked the alleged plot to a recent political gathering in Embu where the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) unveiled its aspirants. During the event, Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji was endorsed as DCP’s preferred gubernatorial candidate for the 2027 elections. Mbarire accused Mukunji of acting as Gachagua’s political proxy, claiming he coordinated the violent unrest.
“These are not mere demonstrations, this is a targeted attack on Embu’s stability and prosperity. I will not allow anyone, regardless of their political stature, to scare away investors or paralyze services,” she said.
According to the governor, 23 people were injured in the protests, including 18 police officers, one of whom remains in critical condition at Embu Level 5 Hospital. The unrest also led to the vandalism of several key institutions, including the Kenya Revenue Authority, National Social Security Fund, Post Bank, National Government offices, and Safaricom’s Embu branch.
While reaffirming her respect for the youth’s right to peaceful protest, Mbarire condemned the violence and warned against political exploitation of public grievances. She emphasized that her administration would not tolerate any efforts to incite unrest or disrupt governance in the county.
Written By Rodney Mbua
