Development Pledges Meet Political Rivalry

SIAKAGO, EMBU COUNTY – Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has intensified the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party's campaign for the Mbeere North parliamentary by-election, centering his message on the completion of significant government-funded development projects. Speaking at a rally in Siakago town on Monday, November 17, 2025, Prof. Kindiki urged residents to support the UDA candidate, Leonard Muriuki Wamuthende, arguing that electing an opposition figure would jeopardize ongoing infrastructure initiatives in the constituency.

The by-election, scheduled for November 27, 2025, was precipitated by the appointment of former Member of Parliament Geoffrey Ruku as Cabinet Secretary for Public Service and Human Capital Development. The contest has evolved into a high-stakes political battle, drawing national attention as it pits Prof. Kindiki against his predecessor, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who is campaigning for the opposition candidate, Newton Kariuki.

Infrastructure and Economic Promises

At the heart of the UDA campaign are several key development projects that the Kenya Kwanza administration asserts have been prioritized under President William Ruto. Prof. Kindiki highlighted the tarmacking of the Siakago-Kanyuambora and Gukuyari-Muminji-Kirie-Ishiara roads as flagship projects that previous administrations had failed to deliver. "We have had four previous presidents who were not able to tarmac these roads. It is President William Ruto who has prioritised them, and they will be completed on time," the Deputy President stated during a campaign event on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.

In addition to road networks, the government has committed to enhancing local economies through the construction of modern markets. According to Prof. Kindiki, Embu County is set to benefit from 12 such markets, with three specifically allocated to Mbeere North. He noted that the market in Ishiara is nearing completion, with construction for new facilities in Siakago and Karambari scheduled to begin soon. Further economic stimulus includes a doubled allocation of KSh 500 million for last-mile electricity connections in the constituency, aiming to significantly increase household access to the national grid. The government is also fast-tracking water projects in areas such as Kanyuambora and Nthawa to address local needs.

A Test for Mt. Kenya's Political Future

The Mbeere North by-election is widely seen as a litmus test for political influence in the larger Mt. Kenya region. The direct involvement of both the current and former Deputy Presidents underscores the strategic importance of the seat. Prof. Kindiki has framed the election as a choice between tangible development delivered by the ruling coalition and the "slogans, insults and chest-thumping" of the opposition. He has repeatedly assured voters that Mr. Wamuthende has the full backing of President Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza government, making him the best-placed candidate to lobby for and oversee the completion of the promised projects.

Conversely, Mr. Gachagua and his allies have urged voters to resist what they term as attempts by the government to force a leader on the constituency. They have cautioned residents against being swayed by government promises, with some locals expressing happiness with the circulation of money during the campaign period but insisting they will not be unduly influenced. The intense campaigning has seen both leaders vow to remain in the constituency until the election, signaling a fierce contest for regional political supremacy.

Implications for Governance and Development

The strategy of linking development projects to electoral choices is a long-standing feature of Kenyan politics. The Mbeere North campaign highlights the government's approach of leveraging its development agenda to consolidate political support. Prof. Kindiki explicitly warned voters that electing an opposition candidate could lead to the stalling of ongoing projects. "As your neighbour from Tharaka-Nithi, I am pleading with you not to be enticed into the opposition by those who don't mean well and losing the goodwill to complete all these projects," he said.

This political dynamic places local development at the intersection of national power contests. For the residents of Mbeere North, the outcome of the November 27th vote will not only determine their parliamentary representation but is also being presented as a critical factor in the continuation of multi-million shilling infrastructure projects. The election serves as a significant indicator of the current political alignment within the Mt. Kenya region and the effectiveness of the Kenya Kwanza administration's development-focused political strategy.