The contest in Mbeere North reached a decisive end when voters made their choice clear after days of intense campaigns, strong political messaging, and visible rivalry between government-aligned leaders and the united opposition.
The mini-polls reflected deep political interest in the constituency, largely because the vacancy emerged after Geoffrey Ruku was appointed Public Service Cabinet Secretary earlier in the year.
With the position open, both sides invested heavily in the by-election, hoping to secure influence and shape the region’s political direction.
According to the final tally, Leonard Wa Muthende of UDA secured 15,802 votes, narrowly defeating Democratic Party candidate Newton Kariuki, popularly known as Karish, who managed 15,308 votes.
The IEBC confirmed the results and stated that Wa Muthende had been duly elected as the new Member of the National Assembly for Mbeere North Constituency.
The numbers reflected how tight the race was, reinforcing the perception that the contest had essentially been between two strong competitors despite the presence of nine cleared candidates.
The campaigns leading up to November 27 were filled with energy, tension, and strong messaging from both sides.
The united opposition placed its hopes on Karish, who enjoyed the full backing of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
He spent days on the ground, moving from home to home, sharing meals with residents, and taking part in morning walks meant to build rapport with voters.
Gachagua framed the by-election as a mission to defend the pride and influence of the Mt Kenya region, insisting that electing Karish would be a statement of unity and strength.
He even vowed to stay in the constituency until the final vote was cast, a strategy meant to rally supporters and send a message of determination.
On the government side, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki took firm charge of Wamuthende’s campaign. He urged residents to vote for UDA’s candidate, emphasising that the region’s development would be better coordinated if they elected a government-friendly MP. Kindiki pointed to stalled or ongoing projects involving water, roads, and electricity, arguing that Wa Muthende’s election would ensure continuity and faster delivery.
His message was echoed by Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, who also campaigned actively in support of the UDA candidate.The by-election was conducted under tight security due to the tension between the two rival camps, but voter turnout remained high, showing that the people of Mbeere North were determined to participate in choosing their next MP. When the final results were released, the narrow margin highlighted just how competitive the race had been.
With the election now settled, Wa Muthende enters office carrying both the expectations of his supporters and the challenge of proving that the intense campaign effort behind him will translate into meaningful development for the constituency.
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