Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was on Saturday, November 7, forced to pause his speech after a sudden power blackout hit a cultural festival in Thika, Kiambu County.
The incident happened at Thika Greens Golf Resort during the second edition of the Ngemi Cia Watho 2.0 festival, which brought together lawyers, politicians and other guests from the Mt Kenya region.
Gachagua was addressing the gathering when the lights suddenly went off, plunging parts of the venue into darkness.
Guests were forced to switch on their mobile phone flashlights as they waited for electricity to return. The blackout lasted approximately one minute before power was restored and the event continued, according to The Star.
The interruption came as Gachagua was making political remarks about President William Ruto and leaders who had previously worked with him.
The former Deputy President had just said, “We all share the blame, and he called all of us. And never again…” when the blackout occurred.
Gachagua later continued with his address, challenging lawyers from the Mt Kenya region to seek elective positions and take up leadership roles.
“I am overwhelmed by the high number of lawyers who are seeking elective positions. This way, I am convinced we shall improve the quality of legislators we elect,” he said.
Among those who attended the gathering were Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Nyandarua Senator John Methu and Kirinyaga Senator Kamau Murango.
Sifuna’s presence was particularly notable given his recent political engagements with Gachagua and other opposition leaders as they explore possible cooperation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The annual gathering, organised under the GEMA Watho Association, brings together legal practitioners to celebrate their cultural heritage and discuss issues affecting their profession and the wider community.
The cause of the power blackout was not immediately established.