Former Nyeri Member of Parliament Ngunjiri Wambugu has criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of repeatedly targeting women leaders from the Mt Kenya region in his recent political statements.
Wambugu’s remarks came after an online exchange between Gachagua and Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika that drew widespread public attention on February 9, 2026.
In a Facebook post earlier that day, Gachagua accused Governor Kihika’s husband, businessman Sam Mburu, of allegedly orchestrating efforts to block him from holding political engagements in Nakuru County.
He claimed that Mburu had influence over local police officers who were frustrating his attempts to address residents during his tour of the region.
Gachagua also faulted Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, alleging that he had failed to act despite being informed of the situation.
Gachagua also faulted Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, alleging that he had failed to act despite being informed of the situation.
The former deputy president suggested that the IG had allowed certain political figures to influence how security matters were being handled during his visits.
The allegations prompted a swift response from Governor Kihika, who rejected the claims and instead accused Gachagua of attempting to extort money from her husband and businesses linked to him.
The allegations prompted a swift response from Governor Kihika, who rejected the claims and instead accused Gachagua of attempting to extort money from her husband and businesses linked to him.
She alleged that his criticism of her family stemmed from their refusal to pay what she described as a “protection fee.”
As the exchange unfolded online, Wambugu weighed in through his own Facebook post, questioning what he described as a pattern in Gachagua’s political confrontations.
According to the former MP, several of the leaders recently criticized by Gachagua are women from the Mt Kenya region holding key elective positions.
Wambugu specifically mentioned Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, and Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika as some of the female leaders he believes have been unfairly targeted.
He posed the question of why the former deputy president appeared to have frequent disputes with women leaders from the region, suggesting that the trend was becoming noticeable in the public domain.
The comments by Wambugu add another dimension to the growing political tensions within the Mt Kenya region as leaders reposition themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Observers note that the region, long considered politically influential, is currently witnessing heightened rivalry and realignments among prominent figures.
As the exchange unfolded online, Wambugu weighed in through his own Facebook post, questioning what he described as a pattern in Gachagua’s political confrontations.
According to the former MP, several of the leaders recently criticized by Gachagua are women from the Mt Kenya region holding key elective positions.
Wambugu specifically mentioned Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, and Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika as some of the female leaders he believes have been unfairly targeted.
He posed the question of why the former deputy president appeared to have frequent disputes with women leaders from the region, suggesting that the trend was becoming noticeable in the public domain.
The comments by Wambugu add another dimension to the growing political tensions within the Mt Kenya region as leaders reposition themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Observers note that the region, long considered politically influential, is currently witnessing heightened rivalry and realignments among prominent figures.
Public disagreements played out on social media platforms have increasingly become part of the political landscape.
While supporters of the various leaders continue to defend their positions online, the back-and-forth has also raised broader questions about political conduct, the role of security agencies in political activities, and the tone of public discourse among senior politicians.
Neither Gachagua nor the leaders mentioned by Wambugu have issued further statements addressing his remarks, but the debate continues to attract attention across political circles and social media.
While supporters of the various leaders continue to defend their positions online, the back-and-forth has also raised broader questions about political conduct, the role of security agencies in political activities, and the tone of public discourse among senior politicians.
Neither Gachagua nor the leaders mentioned by Wambugu have issued further statements addressing his remarks, but the debate continues to attract attention across political circles and social media.