By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
November, 28 Novemebr 2025- Leonard Muriuki, popularly known as Leo wa Muthende, has been declared the new MP for Mbeere North after edging out Democratic Party candidate Newton Kariuki (Karish) in a fiercely contested by-election held on Thursday.
According to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Muthende secured 15,802 votes, narrowly beating Karish, who garnered 15,308 votes. The close finish capped weeks of intense campaigning, with the seat attracting national attention.
The by-election was triggered by the appointment of former MP Geoffrey Ruku as Cabinet Secretary for Public Service in March 2025, setting the stage for a heated contest involving nine candidates. However, the race ultimately shaped into a two-horse battle between UDA and DP, drawing senior political figures to the constituency.
Voting began early on Thursday across Siakago, Kanyuambora, Kamavindi and other centres, where long queues formed before sunrise. Election officials reported smooth operations, with only minor delays in a few stations that opened slightly late.
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IEBC officials praised residents for maintaining calm throughout the day, noting that the polling process was peaceful despite heightened security and heavy political mobilisation.
Former National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi voted early at Kanyuambora Primary School and urged residents to ignore intimidation claims, saying voting was proceeding “calmly and efficiently”. His comments followed criticism from opposition allies who had accused state actors of attempting to influence the race.
A brief moment of tension was reported at Siakago Polling Centre when Chinga Ward MCA Thuku Kiruga was removed for entering the station wearing UDA-branded yellow attire. Election rules prohibit party colours inside polling stations. Muturi, who witnessed the incident, condemned the conduct, saying polling centres “are not stages for campaign theatrics”. Kiruga was later allowed back after changing into neutral clothing.
Tallying began immediately after polling closed at 5 pm, with the final results announced early Friday morning. Muthende’s victory hands UDA a significant win in a constituency where both government and opposition leaders had invested heavily. He is expected to be sworn in once parliamentary procedures are completed.
