The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced that by-elections in Muminji and Evurore wards will be held on February 26, 2026.
The two seats fell vacant after their respective Members of County Assembly resigned earlier this year to contest the Mbeere North parliamentary seat.
Former MCAs Newton Kariuki and Duncan Mbui both left their ward positions to seek the parliamentary seat but were defeated by Leo Wa Muthende of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). Wa Muthende’s victory was widely viewed as a major political win for Ruku, who openly backed his campaign.
Kariuki, who vied on a Democratic Party (DP) ticket, was strongly supported by Rigathi Gachagua, turning the parliamentary contest into a proxy battle between the two political rivals. With the IEBC now confirming dates for the ward by-elections, the rivalry is set to continue.
Speaking in Rwika during the Mbeere cultural festival, Ruku openly dared Gachagua to field candidates through his political allies or party structures in the upcoming polls.
Former MCAs Newton Kariuki and Duncan Mbui both left their ward positions to seek the parliamentary seat but were defeated by Leo Wa Muthende of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). Wa Muthende’s victory was widely viewed as a major political win for Ruku, who openly backed his campaign.
Kariuki, who vied on a Democratic Party (DP) ticket, was strongly supported by Rigathi Gachagua, turning the parliamentary contest into a proxy battle between the two political rivals. With the IEBC now confirming dates for the ward by-elections, the rivalry is set to continue.
Speaking in Rwika during the Mbeere cultural festival, Ruku openly dared Gachagua to field candidates through his political allies or party structures in the upcoming polls.
He expressed confidence that UDA will sweep both Muminji and Evurore wards, further consolidating its foothold in the region.
According to Ruku, recent election outcomes in Mbeere North and other parts of Mt. Kenya demonstrate that Gachagua’s political influence is gradually declining.
According to Ruku, recent election outcomes in Mbeere North and other parts of Mt. Kenya demonstrate that Gachagua’s political influence is gradually declining.
He claimed that residents are increasingly aligning themselves with the ruling party and President William Ruto’s development agenda.
“The people have already made their choice,” Ruku said, adding that the by-elections will confirm what was witnessed during the parliamentary race.
“The people have already made their choice,” Ruku said, adding that the by-elections will confirm what was witnessed during the parliamentary race.
He insisted that UDA enjoys widespread grassroots support and is well-positioned to win convincingly.
Ruku also accused the former Deputy President of interfering with previous by-elections in the region, alleging that goons were hired to disrupt voting processes and intimidate voters.
Ruku also accused the former Deputy President of interfering with previous by-elections in the region, alleging that goons were hired to disrupt voting processes and intimidate voters.
Similar claims have been made in past contests, though Gachagua’s allies have consistently denied the accusations.
The former Deputy President has not directly responded to Ruku’s latest challenge, but his camp has previously accused the government of using state machinery to tilt elections in favour of UDA candidates.
The former Deputy President has not directly responded to Ruku’s latest challenge, but his camp has previously accused the government of using state machinery to tilt elections in favour of UDA candidates.
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