The Mbeere North constituency by-election, scheduled for Thursday, November 27, 2025, has escalated into a significant political confrontation, drawing in national figures and framing the contest as a crucial test of strength between the government and a newly-formed opposition alliance. The race pits Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, leading the campaign for the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), against his predecessor Rigathi Gachagua, who is spearheading efforts for the United Opposition Alliance candidate.

The by-election was triggered by the resignation of former Member of Parliament Geoffrey Ruku, who was appointed as the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service by President William Ruto. This appointment itself was a politically significant move, as Ruku replaced another local leader, former Attorney-General Justin Muturi, in the cabinet.

Intense campaigning has seen both camps establish a heavy presence in the Embu County constituency. Deputy President Kindiki, accompanied by CS Ruku and other Kenya Kwanza administration officials, is campaigning for UDA's candidate, Leonard Muriuki, also known as 'Wa Muthende'. Addressing rallies on Monday, November 17, 2025, in Siakago, Kindiki urged residents to support the government's development agenda, stating that progress on infrastructure like roads and schools is best achieved through alignment with the ruling administration. He has vowed to remain in the constituency until the election to secure a victory for the UDA candidate.

On the other side, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is leading a formidable opposition contingent in support of Newton Karish of the Democratic Party (DP). Karish, a three-term Member of County Assembly for Muminji Ward and a well-known Benga musician, has been endorsed by a coalition of opposition parties, including Gachagua's Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), Justin Muturi's DP, Kalonzo Musyoka's Wiper party, and Eugene Wamalwa's DAP-K. Gachagua began a nine-day campaign tour on Sunday, November 16, 2025, holding a series of rallies across several wards, including Gikuyari, Siakago, and Muminji. He has framed the election as a chance for the people to assert their power and restore the community's dignity, urging voters to reject alleged voter inducement.

A Litmus Test for Regional Dominance

The Mbeere North contest is widely viewed as a proxy battle for political control of the larger Mt. Kenya region, a critical voting bloc in Kenyan politics. The rivalry between Kindiki and Gachagua is particularly pronounced, following Gachagua's impeachment and replacement by Kindiki in October of the previous year. A victory for either side is seen as a significant indicator of their current political clout and a momentum-builder ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The campaign has been marked by heated rhetoric and accusations. Gachagua and the opposition have alleged that the government is using state resources and intimidation to influence the outcome. In early November, Gachagua wrote to the Inspector General of Police, citing threats of violence against him and his supporters. Conversely, DP Kindiki has accused the opposition of engaging in insults and propaganda without offering tangible solutions for the residents. The heightened tensions have led to an increased security presence in the area.

The United Opposition Alliance is using the by-election as a platform to solidify its unity, fielding a single candidate to maximize its chances against the ruling party. Leaders like Kalonzo Musyoka and Eugene Wamalwa have been actively campaigning alongside Gachagua and Muturi, portraying the Mbeere North race as the start of a national political shift. The outcome in the constituency, which has just over 55,000 registered voters as of 2022, is being closely watched as a bellwether for the evolving political landscape in Kenya.