Wiper Democratic Movement's Anthony Kisoi has been declared the winner of the hotly contested Mumbuni North ward by-election in Machakos County, a victory his party leader Kalonzo Musyoka immediately hailed as a significant political statement. Kisoi secured a decisive 3,849 votes to win the seat.

This by-election was widely framed as a direct measure of Musyoka's political clout ahead of the 2027 presidential race. A win for Kisoi, analysts noted, solidifies Musyoka's kingpin status in the Lower Eastern region, a critical voting bloc for any presidential contender. The Wiper leader had personally invested his political capital in the race, pleading with voters to save him from the "embarrassment" of a loss that he warned would be used by his rivals to undermine his State House ambitions.

A Test of Political Might

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) announced Kisoi as the winner, placing Harrison Wambua of Maendeleo Chap Chap (MCC) a distant second with 2,766 votes. The United Democratic Alliance (UDA), President William Ruto's party, saw its candidate Misi Mutua finish third with just 809 votes. The result triggered immediate celebrations among Wiper supporters, led by Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti, who was present at the tallying centre.

The contest was necessitated by the death of the previous Member of County Assembly (MCA), Gideon Kavuu, who was elected on an MCC ticket. The by-election exposed deep divisions within the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition, with both UDA and MCC fielding separate candidates, a rivalry Wiper exploited to its advantage.

Low Turnout and Tensions

Despite the political significance, the election was marked by low voter turnout across the ward's 25 polling stations, which have a total of 13,778 registered voters. IEBC officials had urged residents to participate, but fears of intimidation and violence appeared to have kept many away. There were reports of chaos and voter intimidation in several by-elections held the same day across the country. In one notable incident in Mumbuni North, Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, the leader of MCC, was reportedly ejected from a polling station by voters.

• **Winner:** Anthony Kisoi (Wiper) - 3,849 votes
• **Runner-up:** Harrison Wambua (MCC) - 2,766 votes
• **Third Place:** Misi Mutua (UDA) - 809 votes

For Kalonzo Musyoka, the victory is a timely boost. He had framed the local poll as a national referendum on his leadership. "If you do that [elect Kisoi], I will come and slaughter a bull to celebrate," he had promised voters while campaigning via phone. The win now allows him to assert his dominance in his political backyard and strengthen his bargaining power on the national stage as the 2027 general election approaches.