Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has refused to apologise for his remarks against Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire and Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, dismissing claims that he is targeting women leaders.
Speaking during a public address on August 1, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader said the three governors had accused him of being too harsh on them and of having a problem with women, allegations he rejected.
“I have seen the governors of Nakuru, Embu and Kirinyaga saying I’m too hard on them, that I’m fighting women and that I have a problem with women,” Gachagua said.
Gachagua stated that he has immense respect for women, both in his personal life and political career.
“Everybody knows how much I love my wife. Mpaka wanalalamika kila siku niko na yeye. I have tremendous respect for women. My support base is women because they pray and support me. In my team, I have strong women,” he said.
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He argued that women form a significant part of his political support base and noted that many women hold key positions within his political team.
Additionally , Gachagua maintained that his criticism of Governors Waiguru, Kihika and Mbarire should not be interpreted as an attack on women, insisting that he does not discriminate based on gender.
The former Deputy President said his political positions are issue-based and reiterated that he would continue expressing his views while maintaining what he described as his longstanding respect for women.
Gachagua’s remarks comes hours after a section of women leaders in Kirinyaga criticised him over previous remarks they say demeaned women governors by focusing on their appearance.
Speaking during a media conference at Kamiigua polytechnic grounds in Kutus, the women said the statements were not made to demean women but alos to stigmatize women leaders.
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In addition, they further accused the Democracy of Citizens Party (DCP) leader of “objectifying and targeting women in his Mt. Kenya campaigns”.
The women who also included nominated Members of County Assembly (MCAs) said the remarks reflected Gachagua’s deep seated bias against women leaders and undermines the strides Kenya has made in women leadership.
Khadijah Mustafa, Chairperson of the forum, accused Gachagua of “lowering the standards of political discourse” by repeatedly using the gender card to denigrate women leaders.
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A photo of DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua speaking at Ngorika Town Centre during the Thanksgiving celebration for the election of MP Sammy Kamau Waweru on July 17, 2026. PHOTO/ Rigathi Gachagua X
