There was drama in Muminji, Embu County, on Sunday after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua failed to show up for a highly publicized women empowerment event organized in support of Democratic Party Mbeere North candidate Newton Karish.
The event, which had drawn hundreds of women from across the constituency, descended into confusion after Gachagua’s absence left Karish struggling to manage the expectant crowd. Many attendees had anticipated Gachagua’s presence would come with pledges, donations, or words of encouragement — none of which materialized.
According to sources within the organizing committee, Karish had banked heavily on Gachagua’s appearance to lend political weight to the occasion. “He kept looking at the gate like Gachagua would pop in any minute,” said one of the local organizers. “Now he doesn’t know what to do with all these women who came expecting something big.”
Those familiar with the matter claim that Gachagua allegedly demanded Ksh 5 million to attend the event and make a financial contribution. The reported demand is said to have caused tension among the organizers and may have contributed to the former Deputy President’s decision to stay away.
With Gachagua missing in action, murmurs of frustration spread among the crowd, and Karish was left to calm the disappointed attendees as the event ended abruptly.
Efforts to reach Gachagua’s team for comment were unsuccessful, but sources close to him cited possible logistical and communication challenges as the reason for his absence.
The incident has sparked debate within Mbeere North’s political circles, with some observers saying it exposed the fragile alliances and financial pressures shaping local campaign events ahead of 2027.
