Lenny Kivuti Expresses Confidence Newton Karish Will Triumph in Mbeere North By-Election

Embu, Kenya — September 25, 2025 (EAT).

Former Embu Senator Lenny Kivuti has thrown his weight behind Democratic Party (DP) candidate Newton Kariuki Ndwiga, popularly known as Newton Karish, expressing confidence that he will emerge victorious in the upcoming Mbeere North parliamentary by-election scheduled for November 27, 2025.

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Speaking during a campaign rally in Mbeere on Thursday, Kivuti urged residents to uphold peace and unity throughout the campaign period and cautioned voters against being swayed by cash handouts from rival camps.

He told supporters to “eat the money” but make independent decisions at the ballot box, describing political handouts as “taxpayers’ money coming back to the people.”

“We know there could be politics adamant but my policy is we love each other tupendane more. Even if you are given money, eat it, but know where you will cast your vote. That money is just our taxes being returned to us,” Kivuti told the crowd.

The by-election follows the nullification of the seat by the courts earlier this year over irregularities in the 2022 General Election.

Context in Brief

• Vacancy creation: The High Court annulled the 2022 election results for Mbeere North, citing failure to follow electoral procedures under the Elections Act, 2011.

• Party stakes: The Democratic Party, historically associated with the late President Mwai Kibaki, is seeking to reclaim political relevance in the Mount Kenya region amid dominance by UDA and ODM.

• Political landscape: Mbeere North has been a political battleground between DP, UDA, and independent candidates, making this by-election a litmus test for emerging political alignments ahead of 2027.

Law, Policy, and Process

• Constitutional basis: Article 101(4)(b) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, mandates a by-election within 90 days if a parliamentary seat falls vacant.

• IEBC role: The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is responsible for conducting the by-election, including voter education and candidate clearance.

• Campaign regulations: Section 14 of the Elections Offenses Act, 2016, prohibits bribery, voter intimidation, and violence during campaigns.

Voices and Stakeholders

• Lenny Kivuti, former Embu Senator:

“This by-election is about integrity and development. We must choose leaders who can deliver, not those buying votes with handouts.”

• Newton Karish, DP candidate (via campaign team):

“We are focused on issues — roads, water, education — not sideshows. The people of Mbeere North deserve servant leadership.”

• Local residents: Some residents welcomed Kivuti’s remarks, saying voter bribery had become rampant in rural by-elections.

Evidence & Data

• By-election date: November 27, 2025.

• Registered voters (2022): Approximately 57,000 in Mbeere North.

• Previous election margin: 1,842 votes between the winner and runner-up.

• Turnout (2022): 61%, below the national average of 65%.

Risks and Implications

• Political realignments: A DP victory could boost smaller parties’ bargaining power ahead of 2027.

• Governance: Losing parties may contest results, leading to protracted legal disputes.

• Public finance: Repeated by-elections increase costs for the exchequer amid budget deficits.

What We Don’t Know Yet

• Will UDA or ODM field joint candidates to counter DP’s Newton Karish?

• How will IEBC ensure free and fair polls given historical complaints about voter bribery?

• Will voter turnout surpass 2022 levels, or will apathy persist?

Timeline

• 2023-08-15: High Court nullifies 2022 Mbeere North election results.

• 2025-09-25: Lenny Kivuti endorses Newton Karish at campaign rally.

• 2025-11-27: Scheduled date for Mbeere North by-election.

What to Watch

• IEBC’s official list of cleared candidates by October 2025.

• Campaign finance disclosures and anti-bribery enforcement measures.

• Voter turnout trends compared to previous election cycles.

Editor’s Note: This article will be updated as candidates launch manifestos and IEBC finalizes voter logistics.