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Tension grips Mbeere North as rival parties accuse UDA of voter rigging plot
05th October, 2025 05:03 PM
Tension is mounting in Mbeere North ahead of the upcoming by-election, as leaders from the Democratic Party (DP) and the Devolution Empowerment Party (DEP) accuse operatives linked to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate of attempting to influence the vote.
DP leader Justin Muturi and DEP boss Lenny Kivuti claim individuals are being registered outside Embu County and ferried into the constituency on election day to influence the outcome.
Also watch: CS Ruku condemns revival of clan-based politics in Mbeere North.
Speaking to residents in Kanyuambora on Sunday, October 5, 2025, DP leader Justin Muturi warned that any form of electoral malpractice would be confronted directly.
“Those planning to rig this election should know they are dialling the wrong number. We are very observant, and we want peaceful campaigns,” he said.
Muturi noted that the opposition coalition had put in place strong measures to monitor the election and ensure it reflects the will of the people.
He described their candidate, Newton Karish, as the people’s choice, a leader the establishment fears because of his strong performance record.
DEP boss Lenny Kivuti echoed Muturi’s concerns, claiming that registrations were being coordinated from Nairobi.
“We are hearing they are planning for Nairobi people to be registered to come and vote here. They will find us waiting, and we will not allow them to vote since we know each other,” he said.
Kivuti urged calm but vigilance, emphasising the need for a peaceful and credible election.
Elsewhere, Public Service CS Geoffrey Rukunga launched the Mbeere North Road tender and urged unity behind UDA.
He also emphasised that Kenya Kwanza is prioritising neglected regions and called for unity to sustain the ongoing transformation.
Leaders call vigilance
Karish, flying the DP flag in the by-election, expressed confidence in the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to deliver a free and fair election.
“This is a litmus test for the IEBC. I believe they will conduct a credible exercise. We are equal to the task, and I have confidence in the Commission’s capacity to manage this election properly,” he said.
The race has shaped into a three-way contest. Karish faces competition from UDA’s Leonard Muthende, backed by Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Geoffrey Ruku and government machinery.
On the other hand, Duncan Mbui, the Chama Cha Kazi candidate supported by Moses Kuria, has positioned himself as a “compromise candidate,” leveraging his grassroots experience and strong ties in Evurori Ward.
With national and local figures investing heavily in the by-election, Mbeere North has become a key political battleground where the outcome is expected to influence emerging alliances across the region.
