NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Deputy President and DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua has formally endorsed Newton Kariuki, popularly known as Newton Karish, as the party’s candidate in the upcoming Mbeere North parliamentary by-election.
Gachagua made the endorsement on Monday after holding what he described as “in-depth consultations” with DP party leader Justin Muturi and Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji.
“The people of Mbeere North deserve leadership that listens to them and understands that a Member of Parliament need not be an executive stooge but a representative, a lawmaker, and an oversight to the executive,” Gachagua said in a post on X.
“We have wished Karish the very best as he presents his papers to the IEBC,” he added.
The endorsement sets the stage for a fierce political contest in Embu County, where the Mbeere North seat fell vacant following the appointment of Geoffrey Ruku as Cabinet Secretary for Public Service by President William Ruto.
Towards our victory in Mbeere North by-elections, I have held an in-depth consultation with our Opposition Candidate Newton Karish, the DP party leader @HonJBMuturiManyatta MP Hon. Mukunji today.We have wished him the very best as he presents his papers to the IEBC tomorrow.
Muturi, Kivuti Signal Political Reawakening
Last month, former National Assembly Speaker and ex-Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi also threw his weight behind Karish, describing him as a unifying figure with a strong grassroots connection.
Muturi’s presence alongside Lenny Kivuti, chairperson of the Devolution Empowerment Party, during Karish’s unveiling signaled renewed political cooperation among Embu’s veteran leaders.
The alliance under the Democratic Party banner is being seen as an attempt to consolidate local political influence ahead of the 2027 general election.
Karish, who has previously served in Mumenji Ward, is regarded as a popular local figure with a reputation for community-based development initiatives.
IEBC Prepares for November By-elections
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has scheduled the Mbeere North by-election for November 27, 2025.
According to Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, the commission will conduct 24 by-elections on that date — including one senatorial, six parliamentary, and 17 county assembly contests.
The Mbeere North race will be a key test for both emerging alliances and the IEBC’s capacity to deliver credible mini-polls amid heightened political tension.
