Mbeere North Residents Urged to Reject Ruto's Candidate as a Protest to unmet Promises

Addressing supporters after receiving defectors from rival parties, Mbui launched a scathing attack on the Kenya Kwanza government, saying it had “betrayed the trust of Mbeere people” by failing to deliver on key development pledges.

“We gave them 87 percent of our votes. They promised us roads, the Kamumu Dam, jobs for our youth. Three years later, there is nothing to show for it,” Mbui stated.

He accused the ruling Coalition of hypocrisy, saying the same leaders who “lied” to residents in 2022 were now back with another candidate, still asking for votes without fulfilling a single commitment.

Mbui urged locals to use the by-election as a protest vote against the Kenya Kwanza administration.

“The President should first deliver on his promises before sending his candidate here. We don’t want more empty words. We want action,” he said.

He also hit out at former Mbeere North MP-turned-Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, accusing him of meddling in Mbeere North politics instead of focusing on his national duties. “Let the people decide freely without interference from those in government,” he added.

Mbui is facing off against UDA’s Leonard Muthende and Democratic Party’s Newton Karish in what is shaping up to be a fiercely contested by-election.

With just weeks to the poll, all candidates are crisscrossing the constituency in an all-out push for votes; a contest that will test both local loyalty and the Kenya Kwanza government’s influence in the region.

The upcoming Mbeere North by-election has morphed into a fierce showdown between the Government and the Opposition, with both camps viewing it as a test of political dominance in Embu County ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

Former National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi, who has since fallen out with President William Ruto, has thrown his weight behind Democratic Party (DP) candidate Newton Karish. Muturi is joined by former Embu Senator Lenny Kivuti, further strengthening the Opposition’s hand in the race.

On the other side, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, former Mbeere North MP Muriuki Njagagua, and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire are leading an aggressive campaign to secure victory for the UDA candidate, Leonard Muthende, the Government’s preferred choice.

Chama Cha Kazi (CCK) leader Moses Kuria who resigned as President William Ruto's advisor is backing Duncan Mbui, framing the contest as a chance for locals to hold the government accountable for unmet promises.

Political analysts say the outcome of the by-election will go beyond Mbeere North, potentially redrawing political alliances and shaping the balance of power in the wider Mount Kenya East region ahead of 2027.