The seat fell vacant after Geoffrey Ruku was appointed Public Service Cabinet Secretary in April 2025, leaving the constituency open for a mini-poll.
With several high-profile parties fielding candidates, the by-election has quickly become a litmus test of political strength ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The by-election has attracted intense interest from both the ruling party and opposition factions. UDA has nominated Leonard Muriuki, popularly known as Leo, while the Democratic Party (DP), led by Justin Muturi, fields its own candidate.
In a strategic move, the retired President Uhuru Kenyatta-led Jubilee Party has pledged support for the joint opposition candidate, aligning with Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), Eugene Wamalwa’s DAP-K, and Kalonzo Musyoka’s Wiper Party.
According to Tigania East MP Mpuru Aburi, the stakes are high, and all efforts must be maximized to secure victory.
“It was agreed that we must push to ensure our candidate wins, as there are even elements within our side supporting the opposition,” Aburi told the press after meetings with DP leaders and Mt. Kenya MPs.
For President Ruto, Mbeere North represents a critical test of loyalty and strategy. CS Ruku, a member of DP but aligned with Ruto’s UDA, faces the challenge of balancing party allegiances while promoting the ruling party’s candidate.
The by-election has attracted intense interest from both the ruling party and opposition factions. UDA has nominated Leonard Muriuki, popularly known as Leo, while the Democratic Party (DP), led by Justin Muturi, fields its own candidate.
In a strategic move, the retired President Uhuru Kenyatta-led Jubilee Party has pledged support for the joint opposition candidate, aligning with Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), Eugene Wamalwa’s DAP-K, and Kalonzo Musyoka’s Wiper Party.
According to Tigania East MP Mpuru Aburi, the stakes are high, and all efforts must be maximized to secure victory.
“It was agreed that we must push to ensure our candidate wins, as there are even elements within our side supporting the opposition,” Aburi told the press after meetings with DP leaders and Mt. Kenya MPs.
For President Ruto, Mbeere North represents a critical test of loyalty and strategy. CS Ruku, a member of DP but aligned with Ruto’s UDA, faces the challenge of balancing party allegiances while promoting the ruling party’s candidate.
He has openly criticized DP leader Muturi for allegedly misleading constituents, urging the community to support candidates capable of securing influential parliamentary positions.
“Leadership is not just about popularity; it’s about capacity and competence,” Ruku emphasized.
“Leadership is not just about popularity; it’s about capacity and competence,” Ruku emphasized.
“We must prioritize capable individuals who can deliver development and effectively lobby in Parliament.”
DP Secretary-General Kithure Kindiki has been actively engaging Mt. Kenya leaders to strengthen UDA’s support, managing to secure endorsements from several Mbeere elders.
Tensions and Allegations
The mini-poll has not been without controversy. DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua claimed there were threats against him as he campaigned for the opposition candidate.
He called on Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to intervene, alleging that figures linked to CS Ruku and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire planned to stage an attack.
UDA dismissed the claims as exaggerated and politically motivated. In a statement, the party described Gachagua’s letter as “more a dramatization than a search for justice,” accusing him of attempting to sow division. CS Ruku echoed this sentiment, urging reliance on legal channels rather than incendiary rhetoric.
“Gachagua knows complaints must go through the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and DPP. This letter reflects his usual dramatics rather than facts,” Ruku said.
Mt. Kenya has historically been a decisive region in national elections, with a substantial voter population influencing presidential outcomes.
UDA dismissed the claims as exaggerated and politically motivated. In a statement, the party described Gachagua’s letter as “more a dramatization than a search for justice,” accusing him of attempting to sow division. CS Ruku echoed this sentiment, urging reliance on legal channels rather than incendiary rhetoric.
“Gachagua knows complaints must go through the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and DPP. This letter reflects his usual dramatics rather than facts,” Ruku said.
Mt. Kenya has historically been a decisive region in national elections, with a substantial voter population influencing presidential outcomes.
Ruto’s administration has faced challenges in maintaining support due to unpopular policies, prompting careful outreach efforts ahead of the by-election.
Political analysts note that whoever secures Mbeere North will not only control a strategic constituency but also gain momentum for the 2027 presidential race.
“Winning this seat is critical for UDA to regain Mt. Kenya’s confidence,” one analyst noted.
Political analysts note that whoever secures Mbeere North will not only control a strategic constituency but also gain momentum for the 2027 presidential race.
“Winning this seat is critical for UDA to regain Mt. Kenya’s confidence,” one analyst noted.
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