Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has openly dared former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to prove his political influence in Mt. Kenya by sponsoring a candidate in the upcoming Mbeere North by-election.
Speaking on Tuesday night, Ruku dismissed Gachagua as “a general without followers”, claiming his popularity in the region is overrated. He insisted that President William Ruto’s candidate will easily carry the day in the November 27 contest.
“If he truly believes he is the leader of Mt. Kenya, let him field a Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidate in Mbeere North so we can face off. That’s when he’ll realise the real leader of Kenya is President Ruto,” Ruku said.
The CS maintained that the by-election would be a litmus test of Ruto’s popularity in Mt. Kenya, saying the outcome would show exactly where the people’s loyalty lies.
On the other hand, Gachagua’s DCP has already confirmed it will not front its own candidate, instead backing Newton Kariuki of the Democratic Party (DP). Gachagua explained that the move is aimed at building partnerships with like-minded allies under the United Opposition ahead of 2027.
“We have agreed that DCP will support the Democratic Party in Mbeere North since the seat was previously held by DP and should remain with them,” Gachagua said.
At the same time, UDA has unveiled Leo Muriuki as its flagbearer, setting up a fierce showdown between DP and UDA in Mbeere North.
The seat fell vacant after Geoffrey Ruku, then the area MP, was appointed by President Ruto to the Cabinet in March 2025.
With both camps now firmly positioned, November 27 is shaping up to be more than just a by-election — it could be the ultimate test of who really calls the shots in Mt. Kenya politics.
By Star