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Kenya’s Mount Kenya Region Watches Tight By-Election as Ruto Allies Duel

EMBU COUNTY, Kenya — Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has embarked on an intensive door-to-door campaign in Mbeere North constituency, urging farmers and traders to support Democratic Party candidate Newton Kariuki ahead of the November 27 by-election, while his successor, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, has countered with promises of billions in government projects.

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The by-election, triggered by the appointment of former MP Geoffrey Ruku to the Cabinet, has evolved into a fierce political contest testing regional loyalties and the influence of both the government and opposition in the Mount Kenya region.

Gachagua’s Grassroots Push

Gachagua, leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party, has adopted an unconventional campaign strategy featuring early morning walks through villages and markets, often stopping to share tea with residents in their homes.

During visits to Muguka farms and the Mla Chake Muguka market in Nthawa Ward on Thursday, Gachagua met with local farmers who depend on the crop for their livelihoods. He emphasized the need for better marketing and fair prices for Muguka produce, positioning Kariuki—popularly known as Karish—as the candidate who would champion these concerns.

“I have requested the Muguka farmers and traders to give Newton Kariuki that chance because this is what he stands for,” Gachagua told supporters during his market tour.

In villages across Evurore Ward, including Kanyueri, Kiambundu, and Ciuriari, Gachagua highlighted what he described as residents’ grievances about government policies. Speaking after sharing tea with villagers at the home of Mbuvu wa Kiarani, he outlined concerns about the local economy.

“They told me they can hardly breathe anymore. Their Muguka business is down, taxes are choking them,” Gachagua said, framing the election as an opportunity for residents to demand change.

Kindiki’s Development Promise

Deputy President Kindiki has responded with a campaign emphasizing government achievements and ongoing projects worth billions of shillings. During rallies in Siakago, Kamumu, and Ishiara markets, Kindiki urged voters to support UDA candidate Leonard Wamuthende, arguing that only a government-aligned MP could ensure project completion.

Kindiki highlighted infrastructure investments including the tarmacking of Siakago-Kanyuambora, Gikuyari-Ishiara, and Kanyuambora-Kamumu roads. He also cited water projects, including a Sh1.3 billion initiative to supply clean water from Kiambere Dam, with plans for an additional Sh2 billion allocation.

“The government has invested significantly in addressing the perennial water shortage,” Kindiki told residents at a people’s forum in Muminji Ward. “We have also allocated Sh336 million for last-mile electricity connections, which will increase to Sh600 million.”

The Deputy President noted that the constituency had suffered marginalization for years but was now benefiting from transformative infrastructure programs. He promised that ongoing projects would be completed and emphasized the importance of electing a candidate with government support.

“The constituency had been left behind for a long time, but President Ruto’s government has commenced roads, water, electricity and other projects,” Kindiki said. “The best person to ensure they are completed is Leo.”

A Tight Race

The contest has attracted national attention as a potential barometer of political sentiment in the Mount Kenya region, with both camps accusing each other of attempting to intimidate voters and disrupt campaigns.

Gachagua has accused the government of planning to use irregular means to influence the vote, while UDA officials have alleged that opposition supporters are being mobilized to cause chaos during campaign events.

Former Attorney-General Justin Muturi, whose Democratic Party is fielding Kariuki, joined Gachagua on the campaign trail, describing the election as crucial for the region’s political future.

Meanwhile, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, the former MP whose appointment created the vacancy, has been actively campaigning for Wamuthende alongside Kindiki and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, who chairs the UDA party.

Both camps have held rallies stretching late into the night, with campaign teams engaging in simultaneous events across the constituency’s wards. The intensity of the campaigns has led to sporadic confrontations between rival supporters, though security forces have maintained order.

Political observers note that with 55,124 registered voters, the outcome could signal broader trends ahead of the 2027 general election and test President William Ruto’s continued influence in a region that was instrumental in his 2022 victory.

As the election approaches, residents say they are watching carefully to see which candidate will best address their concerns about water scarcity, agricultural support, and economic opportunities in the semi-arid constituency.