By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, 21 November 2025 - The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has intensified its campaigns in the Mbeere North by-election, rallying support for the party’s parliamentary candidate Leonard Muthende.
On Friday evening, a high-powered UDA team led by Deputy President and Deputy Party Leader Kithure Kindiki pitched camp in Ngunyumu and Kune, declaring Muthende the most qualified candidate to carry forward the constituency’s development agenda following the appointment of former MP Geoffrey Ruku as Cabinet Secretary for Public Service.
“We are not asking you to vote for Leonard Muthende blindly,” said Prof Kindiki.
“We are asking you to support him because we know he will continue with the ongoing development—tarmacking roads, connecting households to electricity, expanding water projects, and managing bursaries as effectively, if not better, than Ruku.”
Kindiki also took aim at Democratic Congress Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of sowing discord in the constituency while campaigning for the opposition candidate.
“I warn him not to bring divisive politics here,” Kindiki said.
“Even after the by-election, our people must coexist peacefully. Mbeere North residents are interested in development, not divisions.”
UDA Chairperson and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire urged voters to remain aligned with government, saying it would be self-defeating for the constituency to “walk into opposition.”
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On his part, Muthende pledged that if elected in next Thursday’s by-election, he would ensure equitable bursary distribution and work with partners to establish an education fund to support needy students.
Muthende also hit back at Gachagua, accusing him of making personal attacks during his recent visit to the constituency.
“He came here and claimed I don’t have a wife or children. For the record, I have a family. Why should another man be so concerned about my household?” he posed.
“He even alleged I don’t have a home. Does he house me? Politics of hate and insults have no place in Mbeere North.”
CS Ruku also criticized Gachagua, saying some of his remarks and conduct amounted to cultural taboos among the Mbeere community.
Other leaders who joined the UDA campaign trail included Embu Senator Alexander Mundigi, Tharaka Nithi Woman Representative Susan Mwindu, MPs Eric Muchangi Karemba (Runyenjes), Eng. Nebart Muriuki (Mbeere South), and Patrick Munene (Chuka–Igamba Ng’ombe), among others.
Muthende is facing DP's Newton Kariuki and CCK Party’s Duncan Mbui in the by-election, which will be held next Thursday alongside the Baringo senatorial race, as well as parliamentary by-elections in Banissa, Kasipul, Magarini, Malava, and Ugunja, and ward by-elections in 17 wards across the country.
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