Kenya Kwanza Leaders Mock Gachagua After Mbeere North By-Election Defeat, Say His Reign Is Over

The narrow victory by the UDA candidate has become the focal point of a fierce political exchange, with Kenya Kwanza leaders asserting that Gachagua's influence in the Mt. Kenya region is no longer as strong as he has led the public to believe.

"This defeat in Mbeere North is a clear message ,Gachagua has no place in Mt. Kenya politics anymore," Geoffrey Ruku, the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service said .

Speaking after visiting an injured victim of political attack in Ishiara at Embu Level 5 hospital, Ruku mocked Gachagua's self-proclaimed dominance in the region. "The people of Mbeere North have sent a clear signal that they do not want to be led by divisive figures. Instead, they are opting for leadership focused on development, and this victory firmly cements Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as the true leader of the mountain," Ruku added.

Ruku said that Mt Kenya residents had moved too far to look behind, saying they were intact and aligned to the government."Rigathi Gachagua's defeat here is proof that the people of Mt. Kenya have made their choice. The region has no room for the politics of misinformation, insults, and division.This election was about the people of Mbeere North sending a message to Gachagua that the Mt Kenya kingpin is  Deputy President Kithure Kindiki,"Ruku said.

Gachagua, who had vigorously campaigned for Kariuki's  candidacy, has seen his political authority questioned following the unexpected outcome. While some had expected a significant victory for the DP-aligned candidate, the results have cast doubt on Gachagua’s sway in Mt. Kenya, particularly after the DP's candidate was  beaten by the UDA.

The MP-Elect in Mbeere North constituency Leonard Muthende said his win was a clear picture that politics of deceit and populism were over.

 "The people have spoken, and it is Deputy President Kindiki who is firmly in control of the region’s political destiny. Gachagua needs to come to terms with this reality because I am here as a member of Parliament elected on UDA," Muthende said.

In a final jab at Gachagua’s political standing, Muthende suggested that the former Deputy President might want to reconsider his position in active politics. "Perhaps it’s time for Gachagua to take a step back,the people have rejected the politics of personal attacks and chaos in favor of a more inclusive and development-focused approach,"Muthende noted.

He also said is now gearing up to defend his victory in the face of a court challenge from DP's Newton Kariuki Ndwiga. 

Ndwiga has alleged election malpractices and has vowed to contest the results in court. However, Muthende has dismissed the claims, asserting he is fully prepared to defend his seat in court.

"The people of Mbeere North have spoken, and no amount of legal challenges will take away the will of the people. I thank the voters for their trust and support, and I promise not to disappoint them. We will continue working for the development of the constituency, and no legal challenge will stop that,"Muthende noted.