Kiambu senator slams Moses Kuria over remarks to Gachagua on respecting women
By Kenneth Mwenda, October 12, 2025Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa has hit out at former Trade Cabinet Secretary and advisor to President William Ruto, Moses Kuria, for his recent advice to Rigathi Gachagua to refrain from insulting women leaders.
Speaking during an opposition rally in Kirinyaga County on Sunday, October 12, 2025, Karungo accused Kuria of being used by President William Ruto’s allies to divide the Mount Kenya region. The senator said Kuria had no moral authority to lecture Gachagua on how to address women leaders.
“Sasa hivi Kasongo amepanic. Na ameanza kutuma watu wetu wa mlima kuja kutugawanyisha. Ametuma kijana mmoja kutoka kule Kiambu. Ameanza kukuja kupatia Riggy G masharti,” Karungo said. “Wewe Moses Kuria, wewe, tunakuona. Huyu Riggy G si wa kupewa masharti. Kasongo ndiye wa kupewa masharti.”
Karungo’s comments came a day after Kuria publicly praised Gachagua and hinted at forming a political alliance with him. In a post on X, Kuria called Gachagua the undisputed Kingpin of Mount Kenya but asked him to be more respectful to women leaders.
“To my brother Rigathi Gachagua… Kindly refrain from insulting our leaders in general, our women leaders in particular, and all Mt Kenya women by extension,” Kuria wrote.
His message was viewed by many as a soft attempt to reconcile with Gachagua, who has been leading opposition rallies across the region after falling out with President Ruto. However, Karungo saw the remarks as part of a wider plan to weaken the unity behind Gachagua.
Gachagua defends his stand
During the same rally in Kirinyaga, Gachagua responded to critics who accused him of disrespecting women. He said he had no problem with women leaders but would not shy away from calling out those who betray their people.
“Wewe ukiwa mama, ukiwa mwanaume, ukuwe msaliti, msaliti ni msaliti,” Gachagua said. “The Member of Parliament here and the Governor have betrayed the people of Mwea.”
He accused President Ruto and a businessman based in Eastleigh of planning to import five million tonnes of rice, a move he said would hurt local farmers in Mwea.
“Ruto ameshikana na mfanyabiashara ako pale Eastleigh, business partner wake. Wameagiza mchele tano million tonnes, sasa ile mchele ya Mwea iko hapa. Mbunge wa Mwea hawezi ongea, governor wa Kirinyaga hawezi ongea,” he said.
The former deputy president also dismissed claims that his criticism of local leaders was an attack on women.
“Ati ooh Riggy G wachana na wamama? Hapana. Mimi naheshimu wamama, lakini wale wasaliti lazima waambiwe,” he said.