UDA National Organising Secretary and Mwala MP Vincent Kawaya unveils businessman Misi Mutua as the party’s candidate for Mumbuni North Ward by-election/HANDOUTA brewing sibling rivalry is expected to test the unity of Kenya Kwanza coalition as two of its affiliate parties—UDA and Maendeleo Chap Chap (MCC)— face off in Mumbuni North Ward by-election set for November 27, 2025.
In what is shaping up to be a high-stakes political duel, UDA has settled on businessman Misi Mutua, while Maendeleo Chap Chap has unveiled Harrison Wambua as its flag bearer in the race in Machakos County.
Both parties are part of the ruling coalition but now find themselves on a collision course in a contest that could further expose internal fault lines.
The by-election follows the death of former ward representative Gideon Kavuu in 2023.
Kavuu was elected on a Maendeleo Chap Chap ticket, a party associated with Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua.
The UDA candidate, Misi Mutua, was officially unveiled on Thursday at Kisooni Catholic Church grounds by UDA National Organising Secretary and Mwala MP Vincent Kawaya.
“A scientific poll clearly showed that Misi Mutua is the most popular candidate for the Mumbuni North Ward by-election, and that is why we chose him,” Kawaya said. “I am shocked that other parties denied him a ticket. Rejecting Misi is equal to rejecting the will of the people of Mumbuni North Ward.”
Misi hails from Mungala village, a vote-rich area in the ward that has produced all three ward representatives since the inception of devolved governance in 2013.
His candidacy is viewed by supporters as a strategic bid to
retain local dominance, but critics have raised questions over UDA’s decision
to field a candidate in an area previously held by an allied party.
Some political observers have noted the unusual move by Kawaya, an MP from a neighbouring constituency, to spearhead the campaign in Mumbuni North—prompting speculation about the internal dynamics and rivalries within the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
On the other side, Harrison Wambua, Maendeleo Chap Chap’s candidate, is no pushover.
He enjoys strong backing from prominent party figures, including Machakos Town MP Caleb Mule and Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, both close allies of Alfred Mutua.
Maendeleo Chap Chap is keen to defend the seat it previously held, and Wambua’s campaign is expected to emphasise continuity.
Speaking to the press, an MCC insider said, “This seat was ours, and the people of Mumbuni North know what Maendeleo Chap Chap has delivered. We will not be intimidated.”
Adding to the competition is Wiper Party, a member of the opposition Azimio la Umoja coalition, which has settled on Antony Kisoi to fly its flag in the race.
Wiper enjoys considerable influence in Machakos County and will be looking to capitalise on the disunity within Kenya Kwanza to regain ground in the ward.
