Opposition Leaders Vow Fierce Showdown as Mbeere North By-Election Intensifies

Opposition leaders have pledged a fierce political battle against President William Ruto and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in the heated Mbeere North by-election  the first major confrontation in Mt. Kenya since the President’s split with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua

During a series of rallies across the constituency, parties supporting Democratic Party (DP) candidate Newton Karish expressed confidence that they would seize the seat from UDA, calling the November 27 vote a defining moment for political influence in the region

Mbeere North has quickly emerged as a high-stakes arena pitting the United Opposition coalition against the ruling party. Analysts say the by-election will gauge the strength of President Ruto’s foothold in Mt. Kenya and test Gachagua’s influence following their political fallout

The Opposition has vowed to intensify its campaigns, promising a decisive defeat for UDA. DAP–K leader Eugene Wamalwa described Mbeere North as the symbolic birthplace of a revitalized Opposition, while Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka rallied supporters behind Karish, affirming him as the coalition’s unanimous choice

Although nine candidates are in the race, the contest has quickly shaped into a two-horse showdown between UDA’s Leonard Wamuthende and Opposition-backed Karish

Meanwhile, the Government has accelerated development projects in the area as top officials push to secure support for the ruling party

 Also read : Kenyan-U.S. Dual Citizen Arrested at Sirari Border with Explosives

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua delivered a fiery rebuke to President Ruto, urging voters to use the by-election to assert the region’s political resolve

He also accused Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire and Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku of attempting to divide the Mbeere community

As Opposition leaders campaigned aggressively for Karish, CS Ruku led a parallel trail supporting Wamuthende, moving closely behind to counter the growing momentum of the united Opposition

The by-election is now firmly positioned as one of the most consequential political contests in Mt. Kenya this year

Writer : Mweru Mbugua