EMBU, Kenya – United Democratic Alliance (UDA) aspirants in Mbeere North Constituency have settled on Leonard “Leo” Muriuki as the party’s flagbearer in the upcoming by-election, ending weeks of speculation over possible fallouts.
The nine aspirants who had expressed interest in the party ticket reached a consensus on Saturday, September 6, 2025, in what leaders hailed as a major boost for UDA’s chances in the November 27 poll.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who announced the deal, described the move as a “pleasant surprise” and said it would allow the ruling party to consolidate support across the constituency.
“The sacrificial role played by the immediate former area MP Geoffrey Ruku, who has since been appointed to the Cabinet, and the eight aspirants who have stepped down for Leo is immensely appreciated by our party’s rank and file,” Kindiki said in a statement.
The eight aspirants will now join Muriuki’s campaign team, with former two-term MP Muriuki Njagagua picked to head operations from the party headquarters.
Party officials say the consensus candidate will benefit from a unified grassroots strategy, with teams expected to campaign “door to door and polling station by polling station.”
The Mbeere North parliamentary seat fell vacant after Geoffrey Ruku was appointed to President William Ruto’s Cabinet.
The by-election is scheduled for November 27, 2025.
