EMBU, Kenya — Campaigns in the Mbeere North by-election escalated sharply on Wednesday as Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua, clashed at separate rallies over development records and political influence in the Mount Kenya East region.
The two leaders are backing rival candidates in the November 2025 parliamentary by-election, which will determine the successor of Geoffrey Ruku following his nomination to the Cabinet.
Kindiki, campaigning for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Leonard Wa Muthende in Kanyuambora, issued a scathing attack on Gachagua, accusing the former DP of “resorting to insults” instead of defending his track record in office.
“Ata unanitusi, mimi ni rika yako? Wewe ni kingpin for who? Omba kura, wacha kuja kunitusi nyumbani,” Kindiki told supporters. “You are a small timer. I will deal with you. I advised you before you were impeached, but you never listened. Your injuries are self-inflicted.”
“ Na uachane na mimi. Mimi sio rika yako. Unazunguka apa ukiniita sijui soprano, ukitaka nitakuvua nguo!”- D.P Kindiki to Gachagua
Gachagua, now serving as Democratic Congress Party (DCP) leader, fired back while drumming up support for DP candidate Newton Karish at rallies in Kavengero and Ciangera. He accused the government of “misplaced priorities” and claimed that Mbeere North voters had already settled on their preferred MP.
“Mimi nauliza Ruto na Kindiki, iko haja gani ya kumwaga nusu bilioni Mbeere na Wakenya wanateseka?” Gachagua posed. “Ati leo yuko Bunge, nyinyi Wambeere mtamsikia Kasongo kweli bungeni?”
The people of Mbeere North are clear and resolute about their priorities.They know exactly what they want, and nothing will distract them from the future they are determined to shape.“We have a date with destiny.” They told me today.It was profound to engage and interact
The by-election has become a test of influence between the two leaders, both of whom hail from Mount Kenya East and are seeking to assert political authority in the region ahead of 2027.
Wa Muthende and Karish are now locked in a tight race, with both sides intensifying mobilization efforts as voting day approaches next week.
