EMBU, KENYA – With just two days remaining until the Mbeere North parliamentary by-election, Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire on Monday decried what she termed “overwhelming insults” from political rivals, highlighting the escalating tensions in a race widely seen as a national political battleground. The campaigns, which officially closed on Monday, November 24, 2025, have pitted the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) against a formidable opposition fronted by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Speaking at a final UDA campaign rally, Governor Mbarire, who also serves as the party's National Chairperson, accused the opposition camp of engaging in a campaign of personal attacks and slander. “You know the amount of insults that have been poured on us by Wamunyoro, if we were of weak hearts, we would have been done,” Mbarire told supporters, referencing a nickname for Gachagua's political faction. She praised the resilience of the electorate for not being swayed by the aggressive rhetoric.

A High-Stakes Political Contest

The Mbeere North seat fell vacant in April 2025 after the then-Member of Parliament, Geoffrey Ruku, resigned following his appointment as Cabinet Secretary for Public Service by President William Ruto. The ensuing by-election, scheduled for Thursday, November 27, 2025, has transformed the constituency into an arena for a major political showdown between President Ruto's administration and Gachagua, who was impeached in October 2024.

The UDA, led on the ground by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Governor Mbarire, has fielded Leonard Wamuthende. The opposition, led by Gachagua, is backing Newton Kariuki of the Democratic Party (DP). Both sides have deployed significant political resources, with national leaders camping in the constituency for weeks to rally support.

Accusations of Violence and Intimidation

The heated rhetoric has been accompanied by serious allegations from both camps. Governor Mbarire confirmed she had filed a complaint at Ishiara Police Station, accusing Gachagua's team of planning to incite violence and dressing goons in UDA colours to incriminate the ruling party. In response, Gachagua's allies have accused UDA of using state machinery to intimidate their supporters and have also filed a protest letter with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

Deputy President Kindiki has repeatedly warned against any attempts to cause chaos, assuring residents of heightened security for the polling day. “The government will not allow goons to take over or for wananchi to be threatened not to vote by those who fear they will lose,” Kindiki stated during a rally on Monday, November 24.

Battle for Mt. Kenya's Political Soul

Analysts view the Mbeere North contest as a litmus test for political control of the vote-rich Mt. Kenya region. For the UDA, a victory would solidify President Ruto's and DP Kindiki's influence. For Gachagua, a win for his candidate would signal a significant political comeback and demonstrate his continued sway over the region's voters.

The UDA campaign has focused on a platform of continuing government development projects, including roads and water infrastructure, arguing that an opposition MP would jeopardize this progress. Conversely, Gachagua's camp has tapped into local grievances, with candidate Newton Kariuki accusing the county government under Mbarire of neglecting essential services like healthcare. As voters prepare to head to the polls on Thursday, the tense atmosphere reflects the high stakes for all political players involved, with the outcome poised to have significant repercussions for the national political landscape ahead of 2027.