Tensions flared in Kirinyaga County on Monday, October 13, as hundreds of residents took to the streets to protest against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
In images and videos seen by Kenyans.co.ke, the residents, mostly women, identified themselves as staunch supporters of Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru as they marched through the streets with placards slamming the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader.
Protesters also lit bonfires along the busy Kutus-Samson Road, causing traffic disruptions and attracting attention from local authorities.
Some of the placards held by protesters bore messages like "The Choice is Ours" and "Respect Women Leaders", suggesting they were discontent with remarks made by Gachagua during a church service in the same county less than 24 hours ago.
One of the protesters specifically faulted Gachagua for what she described as attempts to coerce the entire Mount Kenya bloc to back the opposition.
"He should know the governor (Waiguru) did not place herself in office. We voted her in. So when he insults the governor, he is also insulting us," one protester lamented.
Another said, "Those people inciting you (Gachagua) so that you insult Waiguru only want her seat. They should know we are the ones responsible for voting in the next governor."
On Sunday, Gachagua courted controversy during a church service at Ambassador of Christ Church in Mwea when he openly called out Waiguru, vowing to name and shame Mount Kenya leaders who were allied to the Kenya Kwanza government.
According to Gachagua, President William Ruto aimed to scatter opposition votes by using his allies from the Mount Kenya region - a move which the former DP vowed to quell.
"Let us agree on what I will do. Wherever I go in Mount Kenya, I will be calling out the traitors by name so that people know them. Whether you are a man or a woman. We will tell our people who the traitors are so that the President doesn't finish this community," Gachagua said.
The former DP specifically called out Waiguru, whom he claimed had plans to form a political party ahead of the 2027 polls.
Waiguru, who is in her second term as governor, is said to be intending on switching to a Senatorial race since she cannot serve a third term as governor.
Gachagua blamed Kirinyaga leaders, including the governor, for rice farmers' woes, alleging that their silence was the reason why the government was intent on importing rice at the expense of local farmers, including those from Mwea.
Over the weekend, Gachagua's allies have endured a hostile reception in the Mount Kenya region, with Mbeere South Member of Parliament Nebart Muriuki forced to flee after a rowdy crowd charged towards him during a road stop in his constituency.
The incident ensued while the MP was attempting to mobilise a gathering at Kiritiri market, where his convoy had stopped while he prepared to address the residents.
