Political Titans Clash in Embu County By-Election

EMBU, KENYA – A week-long campaign tour by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in Mbeere North concluded on Sunday, November 23, 2025, cementing the constituency's status as the epicentre of a fierce political contest. The tour, ahead of the parliamentary by-election scheduled for Thursday, November 27, 2025, has pitted Gachagua against his successor, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, in a battle for political supremacy in the Mt. Kenya region.

The by-election was necessitated by the resignation of former Member of Parliament Geoffrey Ruku, who was appointed to the Cabinet by President William Ruto. The contest is now widely viewed as a litmus test for the political influence of both the ruling Kenya Kwanza administration and the newly formed opposition fronted by Gachagua.

Divergent Campaign Platforms: Development vs. Citizen Discontent

The two opposing camps have presented starkly different messages to the electorate. Deputy President Kindiki, leading the campaign for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Leonard Muriuki (Wa Muthende), has anchored his platform on the continuity of government-funded development projects. Speaking at rallies in Muthanthara and Kirie on November 19, 2025, Kindiki warned voters that electing an opposition candidate would jeopardize ongoing initiatives and that Mbeere North's needs could not be gambled with.

The government has highlighted several multi-billion shilling projects underway in the constituency, including the tarmacking of the Siakago–Kanyuambora and Gikuyari–Ishiara roads. Additionally, the UDA camp has cited major water initiatives, such as the Sh250 million Kanyuambora Ward Water Project and a Sh1.3 billion project tapping into the Kiambere Dam, as proof of its commitment to the historically marginalised area.

Conversely, Rigathi Gachagua, campaigning for the Democratic Party (DP) candidate Newton Karish, has focused on tapping into local economic grievances. During his door-to-door campaigns in villages like Kanyueri and Ciuriari, Gachagua stated on November 19, 2025, that residents are suffering from a downturn in the *muguka* business and choking taxes. As the leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), Gachagua has framed the election as an opportunity for residents to send a message to the national government, alleging on November 22, 2025, that state funds were being used to improperly influence the vote.

A Litmus Test for Mt. Kenya's Political Future

The intense focus on Mbeere North from national political figures underscores the constituency's strategic importance. For Deputy President Kindiki, a victory for the UDA candidate would consolidate his position as a key leader in the Mt. Kenya region and affirm the government's development-centric strategy. For Gachagua, a win for his endorsed candidate would serve as a significant political revival after his impeachment in October 2024 and demonstrate his continued influence within the vote-rich bloc.

The campaign has seen a convergence of political heavyweights in the area. Gachagua has been accompanied by DP Party Leader Justin Muturi, while Kindiki's team includes Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire. This concentration of political power has, according to some residents, overshadowed the substantive local issues that have long affected the semi-arid region, such as inadequate infrastructure and limited access to clean water despite hosting major national dams.

As the campaign period officially closes, all eyes are on the voters of Mbeere North. Their decision on Thursday will not only determine their local representation but will also send ripples across the national political landscape, signaling potential realignments in the Mt. Kenya region ahead of the 2027 general elections.