Former Nairobi Town Clerk Philip Kisia has come out in strong support of Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire for standing her ground against what she termed as interference by national government officers in Embu County affairs.

Speaking during a podcast on Friday, June 6, Kisia praised Mbarire for her boldness in confronting individuals trying to meddle in the running of her county.

He noted that the governor had made it clear she would not tolerate any form of interference, stating that if such actions continued, she would face the perpetrators head-on.

According to Kisia, he was very impressed with how Mbarire dealt with those interfering with her delivery and said the move earned her his respect.

He noted that Mbarire had clearly stated her intention to confront officers from the national government should they persist in meddling in Embu affairs.

Kisia, who revealed that he shares a long-standing friendship with Governor Mbarire from their time working together in the tourism sector, encouraged her to stand firm and deal decisively with those attempting to derail her agenda.

“Cecily does not take things for granted. On that score, I encourage her. Anybody who comes her way, box that fellow, chapa yeye kofi mpaka arudi mahali ametoka,” Kisia said.

He went on to urge Mbarire to remain focused and defend her leadership, warning her not to allow anyone to overrun her administration.

“For my sister Cecily, run, run! Don’t allow them to catch up,” Kisia said passionately.

Mbarire’s tough stance

Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, who also serves as the UDA National Chairperson, delivered a speech during the Madaraka Day celebrations on June 1, 2025, at Makima Primary School in Embu County.

In her address, Mbarire expressed frustration and anger, accusing unnamed senior government officials of plotting to undermine her political leadership in Embu County.

She specifically called out officers from Nairobi, claiming they were holding clandestine night meetings in Embu to frustrate the work of elected leaders.

Mbarire emphasised her position as an elected leader chosen by the people of Embu, demanding respect and asserting her commitment to supporting the government despite these challenges.

She stated, “I have noticed that there are people who have started plotting against me, and they are inside the government that I fight for daily… Those officers from Nairobi, who are coming to Embu to hold night meetings to fight elected leaders. I am an elected leader chosen by the people of Embu County, and you are going to respect me.”

Her remarks were partly in response to an unannounced visit by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki to Embu, which she perceived as part of a broader scheme to sideline her.