Residents of Kirinyaga County have come out strongly to defend Governor Anne Waiguru following recent attacks by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Speaking at Kutus town during street demonstration against Gachagua, the residents described the remarks as disrespectful, demeaning, and reflective of a deep-seated contempt for women in leadership.

They expressed outrage over Gachagua’s claims that Governor Waiguru was being ‘used politically by President William Ruto’ saying, the former DP has no moral authority to lecture other leaders over their association with the Head of State.

One of the protesters, Beth Wanjiru, said the statement was in bad taste and amounted to an insult not just to the governor but to all women leaders across the country.

“This was not just an attack on Governor Waiguru- it was an attack on every hardworking woman in leadership,” said one of the speakers. Governor Waiguru has earned her place through performance, integrity, and vision with her leadership track speaking for itself and as such she need not take directives from anyone.” Wanjiru remarked.

The residents praised Waiguru as a trailblazer who has redefined women’s leadership in Kenya citing her historic achievements as the only woman to be elected governor twice, as well as her two-term tenure as Chairperson of the Council of Governors, positions they said she earned through competence and national recognition.

“You can’t diminish Governor Anne Waiguru’s proven track record,” they emphasized. “Her transformation of Kirinyaga is visible, from modern markets and thriving towns to a world-class referral hospital. Results speak louder than insults.” Wanjiru added.

The esidents further accused Gachagua, who was last year impeached from his position as Deputy President, of resorting to divisive politics and personal attacks instead of focusing on constructive leadership.

They said that since his ouster, Gachagua has been traversing the country campaigning against President Ruto, coercing and bullying elected leaders to join his political party and attempting to consolidate an opposition force under his control.

“He has turned his energy to incitement and intimidation,” said Joseph Mbucho. “He is imposing leaders on the people and fighting anyone who dares to hold an independent opinion. That is not leadership — it is political blackmail.”

They further accused Gachagua of displaying bias against women-led counties, noting that his attacks have mostly been directed at leaders such as Governor Waiguru in Kirinyaga and Governor Cecily Mbarire in Embu, while remaining unusually reserved when visiting male-led counties.

“It’s clear he has a problem with women in leadership,” said Mbucho. “When he visits women-led counties, he becomes combative and insulting. His kind of politics have no place in modern Kenya.

The protesters also dismissed Gachagua’s efforts to crown himself as the Mt. Kenya political kingpin, saying leadership cannot be imposed but must be earned through service and respect.

“Leaders like Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta became regional kingpins because they were respected for their leadership, not because they forced people to follow them,” Jane Njeri said. “Even today, Uhuru remains the undisputed Mt. Kenya leader. Gachagua should stop trying to impose himself on people’s throats. Loyalty cannot be demanded- it is earned.”

Glady’s Wangui commended Governor Waiguru for maintaining her focus on service delivery despite political attacks, citing her achievements in building modern hospitals, empowering farmers and women groups, developing infrastructure, and transforming Kirinyaga’s economy.

“While Gachagua throws insults, Waiguru continues to build. True leaders don’t belittle others; they build people and communities,” said Wangui.

On her part, Rose Mavuti, called for respect towards women in politics, urging leaders to rise above personal vendettas and focus on national unity.

“If Gachagua truly wants to unite the region, he should start by respecting women leaders. You cannot demand partnership while insulting others. Leadership requires humility, not hostility,” Mavuti said.

They maintained that history will remember those who built and served, not those who insulted and divided noting that Governor Waiguru’s legacy is already written in the transformation of Kirinyaga.