Jubilee Supporters join CCK Candidate in Heated Mbeere North Race

By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

The defectors were loyalists of Jubilee’s Jacob Ireri Mbao, who was controversially locked out of the by-election contest, a move that seems to have shifted the political tide in Mbui’s favour.

Addressing the defectors at Ishiara market, Mbui stated that Mbeere North was ready to rewrite its political story noting that he was best suited to clinch the seat.

He dismissed claims that the Chama Cha Kazi party is an affiliate of the ruling Kenya Kwanza Alliance, insisting that his party stands firmly in the Opposition under what he called the “one-term mantra.”

“The Chama Cha Kazi party is not tied to the government in any way. We are in the Opposition, independent and unshaken,” Mbui declared.

Mbui went on to accuse the Democratic Party (DP) of hypocrisy, claiming it has been masquerading as an Opposition party while secretly enjoying warm ties with the government.

He said the DP party cannot claim to be in the Opposition when its members are holding top government positions, citing the example of former Mbeere North MP and current Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku whom he said earned the position on a DP party and he was still a member of DP party.

“If the DP party is truly in the Opposition, then CS Geoffrey Ruku should resign immediately. He was elected on a DP ticket and is now serving under President William Ruto’s administration as CS because of the DP party. Let's stop this politics of conmanship,” Mbui asserted.

The fiery candidate further claimed that DP has a memorandum of understanding with President Ruto’s government, questioning why its leaders still occupy state offices while proclaiming Opposition credentials.

He also took issue with Embu Senator Alexander Mundigi, saying the legislator frequently attends State House and parliamentary meetings convened by the President since he was elected on DP party a clear indication, he said, that DP remains firmly aligned with the ruling party.

“The people of Mbeere North deserve honesty. You can’t eat from the same table with the government and still call yourself opposition,” Mbui remarked.

Exuding confidence, Mbui said he was the only true Opposition candidate in the race, vowing to fight for ordinary citizens and protect their interests if elected.

The Mbeere North by-election is shaping up into a fierce three-horse race pitting Mbui against UDA’s Leonard Muthende and DP’s Newton Karish,  a contest that is fast becoming one of the most closely watched political duels in Embu County.