Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Monday intensified his political activities in Mbeere North, embarking on a door-to-door campaign to rally support for Democratic Party (DP) candidate Newton Karish ahead of the highly anticipated November 27 by-election.
Gachagua, who has branded himself as a grassroots mobilizer, shared updates of his engagements on X, declaring his mission to reconnect with ordinary voters.
“I am with the villagers every step of the way, one by one, home by home, village by village in a motif to liberate one nation, Kenya,” he wrote.
“I had an interactive experience in my morning walk on a vote drive for my favorite candidate Newton Karish, who is a people-centered candidate.”
A Seat That Sparked a Political Storm
The Mbeere North parliamentary seat fell vacant after Geoffrey Ruku was appointed Cabinet Secretary for Public Service and Human Capital Development. What was expected to be a routine by-election has now erupted into a fierce political showdown.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, a rising influence in national politics, is backing UDA candidate Leonard Muriuki Wamuthende, setting the stage for a direct clash with Gachagua, who is seeking to reassert his authority in the Mt. Kenya region.
Gachagua Pledges to ‘Protect the Vote’
Addressing supporters across the constituency, Gachagua vowed to remain active on the ground, especially in the vote-rich area of Muminji, to ensure what he describes as a decisive opposition win over UDA.
“I have come to protect the votes here in Muminji. I will stay until the very end,” he declared.
His presence has attracted backing from key political figures, including former CS Mithika Linturi, who praised Gachagua as “a trustworthy leader” committed to defending the region’s political interests.
Opposition Leaders Rally Behind Karish
The by-election has also drawn the attention of national opposition leaders. DAP–K party leader Eugene Wamalwa termed Mbeere North the “symbolic birthplace of a restored united Opposition,” signaling a broader political realignment.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka reinforced the coalition’s stance, urging residents to rally behind Newton Karish as the undisputed candidate of the opposition alliance.
A High-Stakes Contest for Mt. Kenya Influence
With both sides throwing their weight behind their preferred candidates, the Mbeere North by-election has become a key battleground for political supremacy in the Mt. Kenya region. The outcome is expected to shape regional alliances and influence ahead of future national elections.
