Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire has launched a fierce criticism against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of allegedly funding violent groups to infiltrate recent protests led by youth, resulting in significant destruction in Embu town and Kiritiri.
Speaking to the media after inspecting the damaged areas, Governor Mbarire condemned what she termed a deliberate attempt by Gachagua, along with a group of local leaders, to provoke unrest aimed at undermining her administration and her leadership credentials.
“I am fed up with the ongoing sabotage. These protests were taken over and weaponized to portray my government as weak, yet we are aware of the source of the orders,” Mbarire stated.
The governor claimed that the supposed scheme to incite disorder was planned during a recent political meeting in Embu town, which took place during the launch of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidates. At this event, Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji was endorsed as the preferred gubernatorial candidate for the Gachagua-led party in the upcoming 2027 elections.
Governor Mbarire accused MP Mukunji of serving as a stand-in for Gachagua, pushing a “divisive and destructive political agenda” aimed at destabilizing Embu County. She asserted that Mukunji was directly involved in organizing and coordinating the violent protests that shook the area.
“These are not just simple demonstrations — this is a deliberate assault on the stability and prosperity of Embu. I will not permit anyone, no matter their political position, to drive away investors or disrupt services,” she emphasized.
Mbarire reported that 23 individuals were injured during the protests, including 18 police officers. One officer is in critical condition and receiving treatment at Embu Level 5 Hospital.
Numerous government and private entities were also impacted, including the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), National Social Security Fund (NSSF), Post Bank, National Government offices, and Safaricom’s Embu branch, all of which suffered extensive vandalism.
