A political storm is brewing in Embu County as Governor Cecily Mbarire publicly accuses former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of orchestrating a campaign to destabilize her administration and incite unrest in the region.
In a fiery press briefing on Thursday evening, Governor Mbarire claimed that Gachagua, in collaboration with certain local leaders, is attempting to force her into altering her political stance through threats and coercion.
“You are not God, Rigathi Gachagua,” Mbarire declared, visibly agitated. “I will not be intimidated. I will not be silent anymore. If you think you are untouchable, I challenge you I will not back down.”
She alleged that the former Deputy President had a hand in the chaos that rocked Embu town on June 25, where property was destroyed and businesses looted during violent protests. According to the governor, credible intelligence pointed to the involvement of organized criminal gangs allegedly funded by Gachagua.
“You cannot claim to care for Embu while fueling violence that destroys it,” Mbarire said. “We will not allow any more attacks on our livelihoods under the guise of political differences.”
Governor Mbarire also turned her criticism toward Manyatta MP John Gitonga, accusing him of being a willing pawn in Gachagua’s broader political agenda. She claimed that Gitonga was helping advance the former DP’s interests at the expense of local stability.
The sharp accusations follow a separate development in Nairobi, where pro-government MPs, led by Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa, linked Gachagua to unrest in the Central Business District. The lawmakers alleged that groups of hired youth from Central Kenya were involved in the violence and destruction of property.
As the political heat rises, attention now shifts to how national leaders will respond to these allegations, which signal deepening rifts within the ruling coalition and growing tensions ahead of key political milestones.
