Gachagua Rolls Out Door-to-Door Campaign for Karish as Mbeere North By-Election Enters Final Stretch

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has intensified his political activities in Mbeere North, launching a door-to-door campaign to rally support for Democratic Party (DP) candidate Newton Karish ahead of the November 27 by-election

Gachagua kicked off the grassroots outreach on Monday, describing his early morning walk through the constituency as both a fitness routine and a strategic voter engagement drive

Gachagua Rolls Out Door-to-Door Campaign for Karish as Mbeere North By-Election Enters Final Stretch
“I am with the villagers every step of the way, one by one, home by home, village by village,” he said in a post on X

He termed the walk “an exhilarating, breathtaking experience,” adding that residents had shown strong commitment to safeguarding their votes

He further noted that he plans to remain on the ground for the next nine days, engaging directly with constituents

“I met my fellow villagers in homes to commission door-to-door campaign. I am very encouraged by the response; they cannot sell their vote no matter the price,” Gachagua said

The Mbeere North parliamentary seat fell vacant following the appointment of former MP Geoffrey Ruku as Cabinet Secretary for Public Service and Human Capital Development

Political Tensions Rise as Gachagua and Kindiki Face Off

The by-election has evolved into a high-stakes political contest that pits Gachagua against Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who is backing United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Leonard Muriuki Wamuthende

Both leaders are seeking to cement their influence in the Mt. Kenya region, with the outcome expected to signal broader political realignments ahead of 2027

Gachagua’s campaign has been bolstered by endorsements from senior political figures, including former Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi

Opposition leaders have also joined his trail, with DAP–K’s Eugene Wamalwa declaring Mbeere North the symbolic birthplace of a revitalized opposition coalition

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has similarly endorsed Karish

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Kindiki Pushes for Continuity

Deputy President Kindiki has sustained a parallel campaign, urging residents to support Wamuthende to ensure the completion of development projects launched during Ruku’s tenure

“President Ruto’s government has commenced roads, water, electricity and other projects that are ongoing. The best person to ensure they are completed is Leo,” Kindiki said during a rally in Siakago town

He has been joined by Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire and CS Geoffrey Ruku, who have been mobilizing support across the constituency

A Critical Test for Political Influence

Political analysts say the by-election will serve as a key indicator of President Ruto’s support in the Mt. Kenya region and the political clout of his estranged former deputy. With only days remaining, both camps are expected to intensify their efforts as the battle for Mbeere North reaches its climax

Writer : Mweru Mbugua