Kindiki, Ruku intensify UDA campaigns in Mbeere North

Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku leading campaigns for Mbeere North UDA candidate Leonard Muthende/HANDOUT

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku on Monday intensified UDA’s campaign efforts in Mbeere North ahead of the November 27 by-election.

Mbeere North UDA candidate Leonard Muthende/DPCS

The two leaders threw their full weight behind UDA candidate Leonard Muthende, assuring him of unwavering support from the party’s top leadership as the contest enters its final stretch.

Muthende is facing stiff competition from DP Party candidate Newton Karish, who enjoys the backing of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and former Attorney General and ex-CS Justin Muturi. Muturi is also a former DP leader.

The by-election has become a battleground for competing political camps, each seeking to demonstrate its influence in the region.

Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku leading campaigns for Mbeere North UDA candidate Leonard Muthende/DPCS

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire and Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku  leading campaigns for Mbeere North UDA candidate Leonard Muthende in Siakago, Embu County on November 17, 2025/HANDOUT

Addressing a rally in Siakago, Kindiki reaffirmed the Kenya Kwanza administration’s commitment to supporting Muthende.

“I will support you as the Deputy President of Kenya. You will also have the support of the president and all of us because we understand the needs of the people of Mbeere North,” Kindiki said.

He urged Muthende to intensify his campaign efforts, assuring residents that the UDA candidate was best suited to champion development initiatives and ensure the constituency benefits from ongoing government projects.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki leading campaigns for Mbeere North UDA candidate Leonard Muthende in Saiakago, Embu county on November 17, 2025/DPCS

Kindiki also announced plans to construct several key roads within the constituency, saying the projects would boost connectivity, stimulate economic growth, and improve access to essential services for locals.

Ruku, who accompanied the Deputy President, called on residents to reject leaders who resort to insults and divisive rhetoric.

He emphasised that voters were increasingly demanding service delivery, opportunities for youth, and improved education—not petty political quarrels.

Campaigns for Mbeere North UDA candidate Leonard Muthende/HANDOUT

Earlier in the day, former Deputy President Gachagua led an energetic door-to-door campaign for Newton Karish. Gachagua traversed villages, engaging residents one-on-one in a grassroots mobilisation effort aimed at countering UDA’s influence.

“I combined my pursuit for good health with a one-on-one campaign for Newton Karish, my candidate of choice for the Mbeere North parliamentary by-election,” he said.

Gachagua expressed confidence in Karish’s growing support, praising locals for rejecting what he claimed were attempts at vote-buying.

“I am very encouraged by the response and assistance by the residents; they cannot sell their vote no matter the price,” he stated.

Gachagua added that he would remain in the constituency for the next nine days to listen to voters and strengthen Karish’s campaign machinery.

“For the next nine days, I am on the ground, listening to and engaging the people of Mbeere North,” he said.

With just days to the by-election, both camps are ramping up their activities, signalling a fiercely contested race that has drawn national attention.