Manyatta MP Declares Bid to Oust Embu Governor Mbarire in Upcoming Elections

By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

Speaking on Tuesday, May 12, during the distribution of bursary cheques to students in his constituency, Mukunji announced that he will be on the ballot in the 2027 General Election, setting the stage for what is expected to be a fierce political showdown in Embu County.

The outspoken legislator said the county had lagged behind in development since the advent of devolution, insisting that fresh leadership was needed to unlock Embu’s potential. “For the record, so that they know, I will be vying for the Embu gubernatorial seat in 2027. We must change Embu,” Mukunji declared amid cheers from supporters.

Mukunji argued that despite receiving billions of shillings through devolution over the years, many parts of the county still suffer from poor infrastructure, unemployment, water shortages and stalled development projects.

He presented himself as the most suitable candidate to steer the county into a new era of transformation, saying residents deserve a government that prioritizes service delivery and equitable development.

As he sharpens his political strategy ahead of the contest, the Manyatta MP revealed that his immediate focus will be consolidating support within his political backyard before expanding his influence across the county.

The legislator is banking heavily on the voting strength of Manyatta Constituency, which remains the largest voting bloc in Embu County with more than 100,000 registered voters, making it a crucial battleground in the upcoming race.

Political observers familiar with Embu politics believe that if Mukunji succeeds in uniting leaders and voters from Manyatta, he could emerge as a formidable challenger in the county’s top seat contest.

''If Mukunji will get the backing of leaders drawn from Manyatta constituency ,then he will definately be a serious challenger. Being a youthful leader he is also banking on young votes,''said Antony Muchiro, a resident of Manyatta.

The race is also expected to attract other political heavyweights, among them former Embu Senator Lenny Kivuti, who is reportedly preparing for his third stab at the governorship.

Kivuti, who hails from Mbeere North, is expected to rely heavily on support from both Mbeere North and Mbeere South constituencies, areas where he continues to enjoy considerable political influence.

Governor Mbarire, who comes from Runyenjes Constituency, is also expected to mount a strong defense of her seat, backed by the ruling party machinery and her political networks at the national level.

Even though Mbarire’s political base is largely associated with Runyenjes, she has in recent years gained notable support in sections of Manyatta,Mbeere North and  Mbeere South, particularly in Makima and Mwea wards.

The political contest is also shaping up along party lines, with Mukunji reportedly eyeing the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) ticket while Kivuti is expected to contest under his Devolution Empowerment Party. Political observers also expect more aspirants who have not yet publicly declared their interest to join the Embu gubernatorial race as the 2027 General Election draws closer.

Governor Mbarire, who serves as the national chairperson of the United Democratic Alliance, is widely expected to use the ruling party as her political vehicle in her re-election bid.

With barely a year remaining before political campaigns gain momentum, Embu County is already witnessing early political realignments, declarations and behind-the-scenes negotiations as leaders position themselves for what promises to be one of the county’s most competitive gubernatorial races in recent history.