Muthende’s Shock Victory Reshapes Mt Kenya Politics

The contest drew in national political giants, transforming a constituency by-election into a battleground for Mt Kenya influence. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki camped in Mbeere North, each determined to demonstrate who truly holds the region’s political crown.

The two leaders, who have both laid claim to the Mt Kenya kingship, took their rivalry to the ground, using the by-election as a test of influence ahead of the 2027 General Election.

During his tour in Siakago, Gachagua told the residents that he will only leave Mbeere when his candidate Newton Karish wins the by election, “This by-election is not just about a seat. It is about bringing back the dignity of the people of Mt Kenya region,” Gachagua said.

Kindiki mounted an equally aggressive campaign. Speaking in Kanyuambora, he said, “Leadership must be about development, not noise. I am around and I am not leaving here until Muthende wins. Muthende is the man to take Mbeere north forward," Kindiki stated.

Beyond the national duel, local political forces also clashed. DEP leader Lenny Kivuti and DP Party leader Justin Muturi went head-to-head with Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku and former MP Muriuki Njagagua for control of the Mbeere North votes. All four have previously served as MPs and understand the constituency’s political patterns intimately.

The race therefore became a battle between the old political establishment and a new generation of leaders seeking to stamp their authority in the region.

Political analyst Stephen Ngari said the by-election has reshaped the national political landscape. He noted, Muthende’s win has shifted Mt Kenya politics boosting  Kindiki’s influence significantly and at the same time  questioning  Rigathi Gachagua Mt Kenya kingpin claim.

Mbeere North has long been known for closely fought elections. In 2007, Kivuti defeated Justin Muturi by about 700 votes. In 2013, Njagagua beat Muturi again by only 200 votes.

The trend continued in 2017 when Njagagua defeated Ruku by 2,000 votes, and in 2022 when Ruku unseated Njagagua by 600 votes. In the latest by-election, Muthende edged out Karish by roughly 409 votes, maintaining the constituency’s tradition of razor-thin outcomes.

Throughout the campaign, Gachagua insisted he would not leave Mbeere North until Karish was declared the winner. “I am here until victory is secured,” he said.

Kindiki delivered a contrasting message focused on stability and development. “Mbeere North deserves calm, focused leadership,” he told supporters in Evurore, positioning Muthende as the candidate of progress.

With Muthende now declared winner, the focus shifts to what he will deliver. He takes office following a period of significant development under CS Ruku, and expectations are high that he will sustain and grow that progress.

With just 15 months before the next General Election, the big question is whether Muthende can consolidate support quickly enough to secure a more comfortable victory in 2027. His narrow win shows both potential and vulnerability.

What remains clear is that the by-election has dramatically altered political dynamics in both Mbeere North and the wider Mt Kenya region. Muthende’s victory has boosted Kindiki’s political standing, weakened Gachagua’s grip, and set the stage for an intense race as the nation heads towards 2027.