Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has found himself on the receiving end, as lawmakers direct their wrath towards the DCP Party leader, following accusations of being disrespectful to women leaders.
Kisumu West Member of Parliament Rosa Buyu has warned Rigathi Gachagua to cease his onslaught on women leaders or face dire consequences.
Speaking in Siaya County on Monday, October 13, Buyu castigated Gachagua’s recent attack on Mt Kenya governors Cecily Mbarire and her Kirinyaga counterpart, Anne Waiguru.
Rosa claimed that it was ironic for Gachagua to claim to love his wife but slight other women leaders.
“You(Gachagua) keep telling us that you respect your wives, but show bitterness to other women who are other people’s wives. Governor Waiguru and Mbarire are other people’s wives too and deserve respect,” she stated.
Buyu cautioned the former DP that women leaders would rise up against his attacks if he persist.
“If you continue your attacks, women leaders of this country will come for you. Do not ask me how or what they will do to you, but they come for you, ” she cautioned.
Her remarks come after Gachagua tore into the two governors during an opposition rally in Mt Kenya a few days ago.
In his onslaught, the Democracy for Citizens Party leader slammed the two county bosses for being used by Ruto’s administration to harass citizens and sow divisions within the Mt Kenya community.
"Mimi naskia aibu nikiwa hapa mlimani eti kiongozi anaweza pewa pesa atumiwe kupiga watu mawe,” he decried,
“Hii aibu viongozi wetu wametuwekea mlimani ya kuchukua pesa kwa Kasongo na kupanga fujo mlimani hao watu wote siku ya kura ikifika tuamke mapema tupeleke hao nyumbani,” he added.
The former DP, instead, took the podium to heap praise on Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji, praising him as a fearless leader who had vowed to stand firm against oppression from Ruto’s government.
Public service CS Geoffrey Ruku is among other leaders who bemoaned the attacks on Waiguru and Mbarire. The former Mbeere North MP condemned what he described as “insult-filled, hostile, and deceptive utterances” from leaders allied to the United Opposition during their Saturday rallies in Embu and Kirinyaga Counties.
“They hurled insults at Engineer Nebart Muriuki, the Mbeere South MP, Runyenjes MP Eric Muchangi, and even demeaned Governors Cecily Mbarire and Anne Waiguru, leaders who are diligently serving their people instead of engaging in petty politics,” the CS stated.
Gachagua defends his stand.
During a rally in Kirinyaga a day after the remarks, Gachagua responded to critics who accused him of disrespecting women. He said he had no problem with women leaders but would not shy away from calling out those who betray their people.
“Wewe ukiwa mama, ukiwa mwanaume, ukuwe msaliti, msaliti ni msaliti,” Gachagua said.
“The Member of Parliament here and the Governor have betrayed the people of Mwea.” he said in reference to Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru.
He accused President Ruto and a businessman based in Eastleigh of planning to import five million tonnes of rice, a move he said would hurt local farmers in Mwea.
“Ruto ameshikana na mfanyabiashara ako pale Eastleigh, business partner wake. Wameagiza mchele five million tonnes, sasa ile mchele ya Mwea iko hapa. Mbunge wa Mwea hawezi ongea, governor wa Kirinyaga hawezi ongea,” he said.
The former deputy president also dismissed claims that his criticism of local leaders was an attack on women.
“Ati ooh Riggy G wachana na wamama? Hapana. Mimi naheshimu wamama, lakini wale wasaliti lazima waambiwe,” he said.
Meanwhile, earlier today, a group of Kirinyaga residents, governor Anne Waiguru's supporters, closed roads in mwea- in protest- over the remarks.
