This archive report was first published on 11 January 2022.
January 11, 2022, marked a day of intense politicking in Thika as politicians clashed over remarks made by Bishop David Kariuki Gakuyo.
At the center of the controversy was Bishop Gakuyo, who was accused of insulting women during a recent speech. The allegations sparked a heated exchange between the bishop and his critics, including Thika politician Alice Ng'ang'a.
Ng'ang'a, a vocal critic of the bishop's remarks, led a group of over 200 women in a protest against the bishop's comments. The women, who were joined by other politicians and supporters, accused the bishop of lacking respect for women.
Ng'ang'a was quoted as saying, 'We women have been deeply offended by the bishop's remarks, and that's why we're here to condemn them.'
The protest, which was held in Thika, drew a large crowd of supporters and onlookers. The women, who were determined to make their voices heard, marched to the local police station to submit a petition demanding that the bishop's comments be taken seriously.
Bishop Gakuyo, however, defended his remarks, claiming that they were taken out of context. He accused his critics of politicizing the issue and trying to undermine his authority.
'I have no ill will towards anyone, but if you want to play politics, do it in a respectful manner,' the bishop said in a statement.
The controversy has sparked a heated debate in Thika, with many politicians weighing in on the issue. The August 9, 2022, by-election in the constituency is expected to be a closely contested affair, with both Ng'ang'a and Gakuyo vying for the seat.
