Stern test for Ruto’s UDA in Mbeere North by-election
United Democratic Alliance (UDA) campaigners in Mbeere North are under pressure to deliver the seat in the November 27 by-election in what is shaping up as the party’s sternest test ahead of the next General Election.
UDA has been jolted by the grassroots campaign launched by Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who has been moving across villages seeking votes for Democratic Party candidate Newton Karish.
Gachagua, who had previously faced threats of violence from UDA adherents, has been freely strolling from home to home and on village paths, a strategy that is endearing him to voters.
The Mbeere North contest has shaped out as a two-horse race pitting Newton Karish of Democratic Party (DP) and Leonard Muriuki Muthende of UDA.
President William Ruto on Monday met Ruku and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire during which he expressed his displeasure with the way things are unfolding in the campaigns.
Ruto is determined to see UDA win the seat, which was previously held by Ruku, to counter Gachagua’s quest to lock him out of the Mt Kenya region, which was key to his election in 2022, following their fallout resulting in his impeachment in October last year.
He has since joined forces with other opposition leaders, including Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, Eugene Wamalwa and Fred Matiang’i under the United Opposition platform, which is seeking to make him a one-time president.
“The president was very unhappy with Mbarire and Ruku, wondering how Gachagua is winning hearts when they promised him they were in control of things. He even mentioned the huge amount of resources UDA has spent in the constituency,” a source privy to the tense meeting told The Informer Media Group.
Ruto’s concern stems from the fact that UDA leaders have variously faced hostility from Mbeere North constituents more than in other areas when by-elections will also be held which he attributes to the Gachagua factor.
Gachagua is, however, enjoying an advantage by mingling with locals to understand their problems and share with them why they should vote for Karish.
“I am a villager! In the villages of Kanyueri, Kiambundu, Ciuriari and Mbaraga of the Evurore Ward, I shared a jovial village conversation with my fellow villagers and spoke openly the truth about this brutal regime. They told me they can hardly breathe anymore; their muguka business is down, taxes are choking them, their sons are being brutally murdered to say the least. They are overwhelmed and exhausted to endure anymore. I took the opportunity to narrate the beautiful story of Newton Karish and the November 27th 2025 by-elections in Mbeere North. As we enjoyed the hospitality from the family of Mbuvu wa Kiarani (Kang’aka), the villagers confided in me that they will never allow betrayal of their son, Newton Karish,” the former DP posted on his X handle after a morning walk on Wednesday.
The Deputy President Kindiki and Rigathi continue camping in Mbeere North leading their respective political brigades ahead of the next week’s mini-polls.
And in Malava constituency, UDA candidate David Ndakwa is on a neck-to-neck contest with Seth Panyako of DAP-K.
On the other hand, Duncan Mbui is running on a Chama Cha Kazi (CCK) party ticket associated to sacked former Cabinet Minister and president Ruto’s ex-economic advisor Moses Kuria.
He has vowed to spend time in the constituency until after the mini-poll, a move that has seen Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku make frantic efforts to counter the wave he is creating.
