Leo Wamuthende of the ruling United Democratic Alliance has won the hotly contested Mbeere North parliamentary by-election, beating independent candidate Newton Kariuki by a slim margin of 494 votes in a race widely seen as a showdown between Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua.
Official results released in the early hours of Friday showed Wamuthende polling 15,802 votes against Kariuki’s 15,308. Voter turnout exceeded 70% in the constituency of about 45,000 registered voters.
Jubilation in Siakago
UDA supporters flooded the streets of Siakago, Mutuobare and Kanyuambora soon after the announcement, carrying the newly elected MP on their shoulders amid songs and victory chants.
From routine vote to national duel
The by-election was called after former legislator Geoffrey Ruku joined Cabinet in March 2025. What started as a straightforward contest quickly escalated when Kindiki threw his full weight behind Wamuthende, framing the vote as a referendum on completing government projects, including roads, electricity and water reticulation from Kiambere Dam.
Gachagua, impeached in October 2024, campaigned intensely for Kariuki, using village barazas and house-to-house visits while accusing the state of voter intimidation and deploying KSh 600 million to buy votes and seize identity cards from youth.
UDA rejected the allegations as drama meant to discredit Wamuthende’s campaign. Kindiki warned in his final rallies that any disturbance would be met firmly.
Tense but peaceful voting
Despite isolated reports of unrest, Thursday’s voting went ahead largely without incident under tight security.
Wider implications for Mt Kenya
Analysts say the victory strengthens Kindiki’s grip on the Mt Kenya East region and consolidates UDA dominance in Embu County ahead of the 2027 elections. Kariuki’s strong performance, however, shows pockets of resistance to the ruling party remain.
“This result is bigger than one seat,” Nairobi-based political analyst Nerima Wako-Ojiwa told Newsroom. “It is the first clear test of strength between the current Kenya Kwanza leadership and the Gachagua faction in President Ruto backyard.”
Both sides are already turning their attention to future battlegrounds in a region where personal loyalty and development pledges continue to shape electoral outcomes.
