A section of women leaders in Kirinyaga County has criticised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over remarks they say demeaned women governors by focusing on their appearance rather than their leadership.
Addressing the media at Kamiigua Polytechnic Grounds in Kutus, members of the Kirinyaga Grassroots Women Leaders Forum accused the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader of making disrespectful comments about Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire.
The leaders argued that Gachagua’s comments were offensive, discriminatory, and undermined the progress women have made in Kenya’s political leadership.
Their criticism follows remarks made by Gachagua at his Wamunyoro residence, where he alleged that Governors Waiguru, Kihika, and Mbarire campaigned in Ol Kalou Constituency wearing makeup and lipstick in an attempt to persuade young men to support the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate, Samuel Muchina.
Gachagua further claimed that voters in the constituency resisted the alleged influence and remained loyal to their preferred political direction.
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The women leaders, including several nominated Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), rejected the remarks, saying they reflected gender bias and sought to stigmatise women in leadership.
Forum chairperson Khadijah Mustafa accused the former DP of lowering the standard of political discourse by repeatedly targeting women leaders.
“I do not know what you have against women, but it is very uncouth for a politician to keep insulting women. It seems Gachagua has a beef with women leaders. You cannot force people to follow you,” she said.
Mustafa also criticised attempts to dictate how women should dress, saying issues such as makeup and lipstick should never be used as political tools.
“It is evident that you are unable to fight fellow men and now you want to pick fights with women. We, as Kikuyu women, will not be driven by someone’s personal vendetta. Stop claiming you speak for the whole Mt. Kenya region. Do not drag us into your political battles and never again think of insulting women,” she added.
The forum praised Governor Anne Waiguru for what they described as a distinguished leadership record, noting that she remains the only woman elected governor twice and the only woman to have served two terms as Chairperson of the Council of Governors.
The leaders said her achievements were earned through performance, service delivery, and effective leadership rather than political theatrics.
Nominated MCA Jane Wangu defended Waiguru saying she has mentored many women leaders while spearheading development projects in Kirinyaga, including investments in water, agriculture, and road infrastructure.
“Politics should be about respecting one another, not insulting fellow leaders. Lipstick is simply part of a woman’s dressing and there is nothing wrong with it,” Wangu said.
MCA Irene Gathuku urged Gachagua to embrace issue-based politics and refrain from making remarks that target women.
“Leave women alone. We respect men and our husbands, and we expect the same respect in return. Look for votes the right way instead of fighting women,” she said.
Another forum member, Loise Wanjiru, dismissed gender-based political attacks, urging leaders to focus on policies and development rather than personal remarks.
She maintained that Kirinyaga residents would continue supporting Governor Waiguru and would back her should she decide to seek higher political office.
Cecily Nyaguthii also termed the debate over lipstick irrelevant, saying women have the right to make personal choices without political interference.
“Whether we choose to wear lipstick or not, it is nobody’s business. Women of Kirinyaga will make their own decisions, and we expect leaders to respect women because women will continue taking up leadership positions,” she said.
