President William Ruto’s allies have launched a new counteroffensive aimed at undermining DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua’s rising influence in Mbeere North as the constituency heads toward a fiercely contested by-election.
On Monday evening, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire made an impromptu entry into Siakago, only hours after opposition leaders had concluded their activities in the area. Their arrival drew a sizeable, animated crowd, as seen in a video circulating from the event.
Addressing residents, DP Kindiki criticised Gachagua’s political style, arguing that the former deputy president and his allies were resorting to “insults and empty slogans” rather than articulating substantive solutions for the constituency. He urged voters to scrutinise leaders based on development plans rather than divisive rhetoric.
Mbeere North has in recent days become a political battleground, with both UDA and opposition teams intensifying grassroots campaigns. Leaders from each side have been conducting extensive tours across villages, trading barbs while attempting to consolidate support through rapid stopovers and public engagements.
Governor Mbarire escalated the tension further by accusing Gachagua’s camp of orchestrating a plot to bus non-residents into the constituency with the intention of provoking disorder during rallies. She alleged that the individuals were issued UDA-branded T-shirts to create the impression that the ruling party was responsible should violence occur.
The escalating war of words highlights growing competition for political dominance in Embu County, where the by-election is being viewed as a test of strength for rival factions within the broader national landscape. As both camps intensify efforts to sway voters, residents find themselves at the centre of high-stakes political manoeuvring that is likely to shape alliances ahead of future national contests.
By Nairobi