When former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua visited Kirinyaga County on Sunday, June 15th and again on Sunday, October 12th, many in Kagio expected him to make a stop to meet local people. On June 15, he was at Holy Spirit Church in Kagio and on October 12, he attended service at Ambassadors of Christ in Mwea. Yet both times, no public engagement was held in Kagio, a decision that stirred questions, rumors and disappointment among residents. Why did he bypass direct contact with the people in these key moments?
While there is no official explanation publicly confirmed so far, several plausible reasons and local dynamics help explain the silence. What follows is a look into political, security and contextual factors that may have influenced his choices and what Kagio residents think about it.
1. The “Unrest” Label: A Pretext for Caution?
One of the most circulated explanations is that Kagio is perceived by some in political circles as a volatile zone after goons in collaboration with the residents looted one of well known supermarket in Kagii. In local discussion forums and WhatsApp groups, phrases like “Kagio is a place of unrest” have surfaced repeatedly. Residents say this reputation stems from past protests and demonstrations.
If sections of Kagio are considered politically sensitive or unpredictable, the risk of crowd control incidents, protests or disruptions may have discouraged high‑profile interactions. For a senior political figure like Gachagua, avoiding flashpoints may be a deliberate choice to maintain security and avoid unexpected confrontations. Political strategists often advise limiting exposure in areas with a reputation for tension, unless heavily prepared.
2. Respecting Local Leadership & Political Friction
Another reason proposed by local observers is friction between Gachagua and county leadership. On Monday 13th October, Kirinyaga residents had warned Gachagua not to set foot in the county unless he apologized and respected local leaders especially women. The underlying tension may stem from political rivalries, local power dynamics or conflicting loyalties.
Skipping Kagio stops might also reflect a strategy of not being seen to overshadow the governor or local officials. Gachagua’s visits are already high-profile. Making too many stops could inflame rivalry or be perceived as interference in local governance.
3. Logistical and Time Constraints
At a more prosaic level, such visits are tightly scheduled. Church services, travel time, security protocols and logistics often leave little margin for additional stops. On June 15, Gachagua’s presence in Holy Spirit Church may already have stretched his itinerary. Unforeseen delays, security assessments or route changes could have led to dropping planned stops to avoid tardiness.
Given the high stakes in politics, politicians sometimes decide on-the-spot to skip less strategic stops to preserve the integrity of their primary engagements.
4. Messaging Control & Crowd Size Management
When a politician stops in a location, crowds naturally gather, speeches are expected and anything can happen. If the local support structure in Kagio was weak or if attendance was uncertain, going ahead with a stop might risk embarrassment or underwhelming turnout.
Instead, focusing attention on places with guaranteed loyal reception or central rallies, may be safer. In his campaigns, Gachagua seems to prefer larger, more controlled events over many small ones, which could explain why he avoided informal stops in Kagio.
5. Symbolic Messaging: Less is Sometimes More
Interestingly, not stopping can itself send messages. In politics, absence can be interpreted by supporters, by critics and by local elites in different ways. It may hint at caution, at political calculation or at dominance (not needing to prove presence everywhere). In a county like Kirinyaga, every choice becomes symbolic.
In Kagio, this absence may reinforce the idea that Gachagua is treating the area with reserve, either as a signal to the locals or as part of his broader campaign narrative.
6. Local Backlash and Crowdsourcing Resistance
In communities around Kagio, local leaders and groups (women) have cautioned Gachagua about visits unless mutual respect is extended. The repeated local language warning suggests that parts of Kagio’s political class want to regulate how and when powerful figures engage with their people.
This social code may pressure Gachagua’s team to avoid unilateral visits. If the local leadership isn’t fully affirmed, stops may be skipped as a political courtesy or a tactical move to avoid conflict.
7. What Residents Say & How They Feel
Many Kagio residents expressed disappointment. Some see the omissions as a slight to the area or a sign of neglect. Others believe the crowd of Kirinyaga politics played a role: bigger rallies are held elsewhere and Kagio is considered part of the “home base” so stops are deemed unnecessary.
Yet, among supporters, there is also an understanding of political realities. Some concede that stops are expensive in terms of security, preparation and optics and that skipping smaller ones helps maintain focus.