Ruto allies leaving nothing to chance in Mbeere North by-election race

While President William Ruto was unable to attend in person, he made his presence felt by sending Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichungwa with a whopping Sh 3.5 million to purchase goats. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki also contributed Sh 1.5 million, and both Ichungwa and Governor Cecily Mbarire each spent Sh 500,000 to buy a number of goats. The collective outpouring of support  to locals traders was not just about helping local traders, but about reinforcing the government’s commitment to the region’s development under the UDA banner.

Governor Mbarire, who spearheaded the event called on Mbeere North people to back Muthende calling him the best leader Mbeere North could hope for. "Muthende is the only candidate you can trust. He is the one with the vision, the leadership skills, and the energy to take Mbeere North forward," Mbarire stated. 

 The governor made a clear case that Muthende being aligned with the government many development projects will be implemented in the Constituency calling on locals to ignore Opposition politics "which have nothing to offer".

 "With Muthende, we will ensure that our children have better schools, our farmers have better markets, and our youth have better opportunities for employment.You cannot get these things in Opposition ?," Mbarire asked.

Ichungwa, emphasized the importance of staying aligned with the government. "The people of Mbeere North have shown that they want to remain in government because they know it is only through government leadership that they will continue to benefit from development projects. We have seen roads being paved, schools being built, and farmers getting better support. This is just the beginning," he said.

 Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, who also attended the event, took aim at the Opposition, particularly Newton Karish, the candidate backed by the United Opposition. Ruku dismissed the Opposition’s chances of winning, saying the locals in the Constituency had moved too far in government to look behind “The people of Mbeere North know that their future lies in the hands of the government. They are not interested in going backwards. The Opposition may try, but they are far from winning this seat. The momentum is with the government, and it will stay with the government,"Ruku stated.

Ruku said the Opposition leaders were confusing locals with empty rhetoric stating that their politics of fake promises had lapsed in Mbeere North politics.

More than 10 Principal Secretaries and heads of parastatals also graced the occasion. Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira, who led a team of fellow Principal Secretaries during the event, said the exercise was part of uplifting local traders, adding that it aligns with the government’s commitment to empower grassroots communities. He noted that the Ministry has also undertaken electricity connectivity in several parts of Mbeere North under the Last Mile Connectivity Project, ensuring more households and businesses get access to power.

As the by-election draws closer, the stakes can not be higher. Kenya Kwanza’s political establishment is pulling out all the stops to ensure that Muthende takes the seat and that Mbeere North remains firmly in the government’s grasp. With a clear commitment to continue the work of development and improvement, the Kenya Kwanza camp is leaving nothing to chance.

But the Opposition is also gearing up for a fierce battle. The outcome of the by-election is still uncertain, and every vote will count. As the political contest heats up, all eyes will remain fixed on Mbeere North. The result will be a defining moment not only for the region but for the future direction of Kenya’s political landscape.