MBEERE NORTH, KENYA – The campaign for the Mbeere North parliamentary seat has reached a fever pitch ahead of the Thursday, November 27, 2025, by-election, transforming a local contest into a significant national political battleground. Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary and Democratic Party (DP) leader, Justin Muturi, has been a prominent figure, recently expressing strong confidence in his party's candidate, Newton Kariuki, popularly known as Karish. His endorsement comes amidst a tense atmosphere, with rival camps trading accusations of intimidation and planned disruptions.

The by-election was triggered by the appointment of the constituency's former Member of Parliament, Geoffrey Ruku, to President William Ruto's cabinet as the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, a position previously held by Muturi. This has created a complex political dynamic, with Ruku now leading the campaign for the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate, Leonard Wamuthende.

A Test of Political Might

The Mbeere North contest is widely seen as a litmus test for the political influence of both the government and the newly formed United Opposition. The UDA, led on the ground by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, is determined to capture the seat to affirm its dominance in the Mount Kenya region. DP Kindiki has framed the election as a choice for continued development, urging residents to align with the government.

On the other side, the United Opposition, a coalition of parties including Muturi's DP and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), has rallied behind Karish. Gachagua and other opposition figures have campaigned aggressively, portraying the by-election as an opportunity for residents to send a message to the ruling administration. Muturi has asserted that the large crowds at opposition rallies signal a victory for Karish, stating on Sunday, November 16, 2025, that the people of Mbeere North are “bold, united, this determined.”

Campaigns Marred by Tension

As the campaigns entered their final days, the rhetoric has become increasingly charged. On Friday, November 22, 2025, both UDA and DP camps accused each other of plotting violence. Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire claimed to have reported Gachagua's team to the police for planning to disrupt the election. In a counter-accusation, Justin Muturi wrote a formal protest letter to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), alleging a plot by “State-backed operatives” to influence the vote through bribery and intimidation. The IEBC has since confirmed its readiness to conduct a free and fair election, with materials dispatched to the 27 electoral units holding polls on Thursday.

Local Issues vs. National Politics

While national political figures dominate the headlines, some Mbeere North residents have expressed concern that their immediate needs are being overlooked. Critical local issues such as the poor state of roads, inadequate access to clean water, and unreliable electricity supply have been overshadowed by the high-stakes political contest. The constituency, formerly known as Siakago, has a history of unpredictable voting patterns and a relatively small number of registered voters, with just over 55,000 participating in the 2022 General Election. Nine candidates are officially in the race, though the contest is largely seen as a two-horse race between UDA's Wamuthende and DP's Karish. Karish, a former Benga musician and the outgoing Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Muminji Ward, is banking on his local track record and grassroots appeal. The outcome of the vote on Thursday, November 27, will be closely watched as an indicator of the political landscape in the Mount Kenya region ahead of the 2027 general elections.