A fierce political showdown is unfolding in Embu County as Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua establish rival camps in Mbeere North, campaigning vigorously for their respective candidates ahead of the constituency's by-election slated for Thursday, November 27, 2025. The contest has become a critical test of political influence between the two senior leaders from the Mt. Kenya region, drawing national attention to the local poll.

On Monday, November 17, 2025, Deputy President Kindiki held a highly-charged rally at Siakago Market, throwing his full support behind the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate, Leonard Muthende. Addressing a large crowd, Kindiki declared he would personally camp in the constituency to ensure a UDA victory, arguing that only a Member of Parliament aligned with the national government could effectively deliver on development projects. He highlighted ongoing government-funded infrastructure projects, including road construction and water systems, as evidence of the Kenya Kwanza administration's commitment to the area. "This is the last time these people will be roaming here, humiliating other leaders," Kindiki stated, in a thinly veiled attack on the opposition camp.

Simultaneously, just miles away, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was leading a parallel campaign for the Democratic Party (DP) candidate, Newton Karish. Gachagua, who has been actively mobilizing support in the region, pledged to remain on the ground to safeguard the votes for his candidate. His camp has accused the government of using state resources and intimidation to influence the outcome of the by-election. In an interview on Sunday, November 16, 2025, Gachagua alleged that senior state officials were coercing voters to support the UDA candidate and claimed there were plots to disrupt his campaign events.

A Battle for Regional Supremacy

The Mbeere North by-election transcends local politics, representing a significant chapter in the escalating rivalry between Kindiki and Gachagua for control of the Mt. Kenya political bloc. This power struggle has been simmering for months, with analysts noting it reflects deeper political divisions within the region, particularly between the Mt. Kenya East and West sub-regions. The outcome of the by-election is widely seen as a barometer of their current political clout and influence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Kindiki's allies have accused Gachagua of attempting to undermine UDA leaders in Embu, while Gachagua's camp frames the contest as a fight to restore the dignity of the Embu people and resist government overreach. The seat fell vacant after its former occupant, Geoffrey Ruku, was appointed to the Cabinet as the Public Service Cabinet Secretary, ironically succeeding former CS Justin Muturi, the leader of the Democratic Party backing Gachagua's candidate.

Development Pledges and Political Accusations

The campaigns have been characterized by sharp rhetoric and promises of development. Deputy President Kindiki has assured residents that the era of marginalization for Mbeere is over, promising that ongoing projects, such as the tarmacking of the Siakago-Kanyuambora Road, will be completed. He has positioned Leonard Muthende as the only candidate capable of ensuring the continuation of this development agenda through a direct link to the national government.

Conversely, Gachagua and his allies have focused on what they term state-sponsored interference and the use of money to sway voters. They have urged residents to make a free choice at the ballot. The heightened political temperatures have led to both sides vowing to maintain a strong presence in the constituency until the election day, setting the stage for a tense and closely watched contest. The heavy deployment of political figures from both the government and the opposition underscores the national significance of this local poll.