NAIROBI, Kenya — A high-stakes political showdown is unfolding in Embu County as United Opposition leaders, spearheaded by Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, establish a campaign base to support Newton Kariuki, also known as Karish, the Democratic Party (DP) candidate vying to represent Mbeere North in Parliament.
On paper, Kariuki’s run is a standard party contest.
But in practice, his candidacy has become a proxy battle between Gachagua and President William Ruto, whose rift with his former ally has reshaped Mt. Kenya politics.
Observers view Karish’s campaign as a critical test of Gachagua’s clout in the region.
Ruto’s UDA party, desperate to hold onto influence in Mt. Kenya, has spared no effort.
Colossians 3:14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.It is another great Sunday for thanksgiving and prayer for God’s love in our lives.We worshipped at ACK Kanyuambora, Mbeere North- Embu County today with my Spouse Rev.
Dozens of senior government officials have descended on Mbeere North, aligning behind Leonard Muthende, the UDA-backed candidate.
State resources are reportedly being deployed as part of the campaign, raising both political and ethical questions.
Gachagua, meanwhile, has framed his intervention in stark terms: he is not just supporting a candidate, but pushing back against what he describes as Ruto’s political manipulation of the Mt. Kenya vote.
“This is no longer a local election,” one analyst put it.
According to Eugene Wamalwa, the leader of DAP-Kenya, the campaign rollout for Kariuki will demonstrate the United Opposition’s discipline and shared commitment.
Today We kick off Our joint campaigns for the United Opposition candidates starting with Newton Kariuki Ndwiga of the Democratic Party in Mbeere North, Embu County where our unity will be demonstrated not by words but by deeds.Tuesday we land in Magarini, Kilifi County to
The broader backdrop to this campaign is a bitter political estrangement.
Gachagua publicly severed ties with Ruto after his impeachment, declaring the Mt. Kenya region had “cut political ties” with the presidency and would not back him again.
He has repeatedly accused Ruto of attempting to divide and weaken Mt. Kenya through money and political appointments.
Ruto, for his part, has defended his approach. In a tour of the region in April, he claimed Gachagua had demanded Sh10 billion to support his political ambitions — a demand he said he refused.
The fallout has sharpened divisions, with Gachagua calling out Mt. Kenya leaders who continue to side with Ruto, warning they will face political consequences.
It’s a beautiful day here in Embu. The spirit of the people reminds me why we keep pushing for a better Kenya. “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24
Analysts see the Mbeere North by‑election as more than local politics.
A win for Kariuki would strengthen Gachagua’s hand and potentially accelerate realignment in Mt. Kenya ahead of 2027.
A loss—or a victory for UDA—would help Ruto reassert his dominance in the region.
As the campaigns intensify, smaller parties are also maneuvering. Reports suggest that even within UDA’s sphere, there are fractures, as Ruto loyalists scramble to defend his legacy in a region that once rallied behind him enthusiastically.
