Why Mbeere North seat matters in jostle for Mt Kenya parties' dominance

Drama unfolded early in Siakago town, where Chama Cha Kazi’s (CCK) Duncan Mbui and Democratic Party’s (DP) Newton Karish maneuvered around a reported High Court petition that sought to block their nominations.

Both candidates were scheduled for clearance between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., but in a surprising twist, they arrived hours earlier  determined to outpace any attempt to bar them from the race.

Duncan Mbui, who has served as an MCA in the Embu County Assembly for eight years, stealthily entered the IEBC offices at 8 a.m., nearly six hours before his appointed time. Within minutes, he had his nomination certificate in hand.

His early clearance, sources revealed, was a well-calculated move after whispers circulated that unnamed individuals had filed a case in the High Court to challenge his eligibility.

“I heard some people had gone to court to block me from the race. Let them continue dreaming.  I already have my certificate. I’m in the race, and I will win overwhelmingly,” Mbui said while addressing crowd in Siakago market.

After securing the prized document, Mbui retreated briefly to his home village before making a triumphant return to Siakago, flanked by a sea of supporters estimated at over 4,000.

Brandishing his certificate, he declared that his track record and grassroots connection would propel him to victory. “I have served the people diligently. My manifesto is to avail water, jobs, and development for Mbeere North,” he said confidently.

Meanwhile, Democratic Party’s Newton Karish was slated for a 10 a.m. clearance but arrived an hour earlier, catching even his team by surprise. The seasoned politician, who has served 13 years in the Embu County Assembly, walked out of the IEBC offices smiling broadly, certificate in hand.

Speaking to journalists moments after he was cleared, Karish exuded confidence, saying his victory was sealed despite the obstacles. “They tried to put barriers, but God has refused. We have been cleared against all odds. We are taking this seat early in the morning,” he said.

Karish was accompanied by Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi, who hailed his candidate’s resilience and brushed off the alleged court hurdles as political theatrics. “As a party, we are glad our candidate has been cleared. We call upon our supporters to maintain peace throughout the campaign period,” Muturi said.

The twin clearances came just a day before United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Leonard Muthende is expected to present his papers at noon. His clearance will complete the triangle of top contenders in the much-anticipated by-election.

The race is shaping up as a fierce test of influence between Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku and the government brigade backing UDA’s Muthende, former president Ruto's advisor Moses Kuria, who is fronting Mbui, and veteran politician Lenny Kivuti and Muturi rallying behind the DP candidate.

Mbeere North Parliamentary seat fell vacant after President Dr William Ruto appointed Geoffrey Ruku to serve as the cabinet secretary in charge of Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programs.