A group of women leaders from Kirinyaga County has criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for making sexist comments aimed at undermining prominent female governors.
During a press briefing held on July 30, 2026, at Kamiigua Polytechnic in Kutus, members of the Kirinyaga Grassroots Women Leaders Forum, including nominated MCAs, condemned Gachagua's remarks linking Governors Anne Waiguru, Susan Kihika, and Cecily Mbarire to their use of lipstick and make-up while campaigning in the recent Ol Kalou by-election.
Gachagua had claimed at his residence in Nyeri that these governors used their appearance to attract young male voters for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate, a tactic he said failed as the electorate favored the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).
Forum chairperson Khadijah Mustafa described the statements as disrespectful and demeaning, accusing Gachagua of harboring a deep bias against women leaders and lowering political discourse.
"It is very uncouth for a politician to keep insulting women. It seems Gachagua has a problem with women leaders. You cannot force people to follow you," Mustafa said, emphasizing the need for issue-based politics rather than personal attacks.
The forum warned Gachagua against dragging women into political conflicts, stating that such tactics risk discouraging women from seeking elective positions by reducing accomplished leaders to their appearance.
Mustafa challenged the former deputy president to focus on policy debates, insisting that leadership should be evaluated on development, service delivery, and integrity rather than gender or looks.
The women also praised Governor Anne Waiguru for her transformative leadership in Kirinyaga County, highlighting her unique achievements as the only woman elected governor twice and serving two terms as chairperson of the Council of Governors.
Nominated MCA Jane Wangu lauded Waiguru's mentorship of women leaders and her focus on key sectors such as water, agriculture, and infrastructure.
"We feel deeply hurt when one uses gender issues to attack women. Lipstick is simply part of a woman’s dressing, and there is nothing wrong with it," Wangu remarked.
Similarly, nominated MCA Irene Gathuku urged Gachagua to adopt mature politics that respect women and avoid claiming to represent the entire Mt. Kenya region.
"We respect men and our husbands, and we expect the same respect in return. Look for votes the right way instead of fighting women," Gathuku added.
