Embu Faces Fresh By-Elections After Two MCAs Resign to Vie for MP Seat

By : Mweru Mbugua 

Embu County is preparing for fresh by-elections in two Mbeere North wards after their Members of County Assembly (MCAs) resigned to contest the constituency’s parliamentary seat in the recently concluded by-election

County Speaker Josiah Thiriku confirmed the vacancies, noting that he has already written to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) requesting election dates for the mini-polls

The resignations came just a week after both ward representatives unsuccessfully vied for the Mbeere North MP seat

The two MCAs are Newton Kariuki of Muminji Ward and Duncan Mbui of Evurore Ward. Kariuki, who ran under the Democratic Party, narrowly lost to UDA’s Leonard Wa Muthende

Mbui, initially a Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) candidate, was persuaded to step down following a coalition arrangement involving former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua

Mbui later accused Gachagua of betrayal, claiming he was not informed about the coalition decision that handed Kariuki sole opposition support. He subsequently joined Moses Kuria’s Chama Cha Kazi (CCK) and contested again, but lost

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The by-election in Mbeere North was marked by tension, with reports of voter intimidation, bribery, and disruptions across multiple polling stations

Former DP Gachagua defended the decision to withdraw Mbui’s candidature, stating that Embu elders had advised him that Kariuki was more popular on the ground. He added that, as a respectful leader, he chose to follow their guidance

IEBC is expected to announce the dates for the ward by-elections once preparations are finalized