Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has intensified his
grassroots mobilisation in Mbeere North, urging residents to turn out in large
numbers for the November 27, vote.
He is backing Newton Karish of the Democratic Party, whom he
describes as a people-focused candidate capable of driving change in the
constituency.
Gachagua said he is fully aligned with local voters,
praising what he called the awakened and hardworking villagers of Mbeere North,
saying they are ready for political renewal.
He spoke during his early-morning door-to-door campaign, where
he spent time walking through villages and engaging residents directly.
He said the personal interactions reinforced his belief that
Karish is the right choice for the constituency.
Gachagua said he will continue visiting homes and villages
to ensure voters hear the message of what he termed a liberation agenda.
He framed the campaign as a movement to build a stronger and
more united Kenya.
“I am with the villagers every step of the way,” he said.
He added that his efforts were focused on reaching people ‘one
by one, home by home, village by village.’
The former Deputy President described Karish as a leader
rooted in community needs.
He said the candidate’s approach prioritises ordinary
citizens and their day-to-day challenges.
He urged residents to embrace what he called a moment of
change.
“Change is in Mbeere North,” Gachagua said, noting that his
discussions with villagers showed growing support for Karish.
The visit is part of a broader campaign push ahead of the
upcoming by-election.
Gachagua has been active in several regions as he seeks to
rally supporters behind candidates he believes will advance the
administration’s development agenda.
In Mbeere North, his message focused on unity, grassroots
engagement and the promise of local transformation.
The by-election has drawn intense political interest, with
parties stepping up their presence as polling day approaches.
The DP candidate faces stiff competition from United
Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Leonard Wamuthende.
On Sunday, Gachagua led a high-profile opposition team to
drum up support for Karish, alleging that the government was using intimidation
and money to influence the election.
Addressing worshippers in Kanyuambora, he claimed that
state-sponsored violence had been directed at his supporters, alleging that
goons were being ferried to disrupt campaign events.
He further accused senior government officials of spending
cash in villages to buy votes, urging residents to resist what he termed an
attempt to undermine their democratic choice.
“A time will come when I will come and close those ‘hotels’;
our people cannot be bought,” he said.
The Mbeere North by-election has heightened political
tensions in the region, with rival camps trading accusations as voting day
approaches.
Gachagua said the outcome of the vote is crucial not only
politically but also symbolically, arguing that victory would help restore the
respect and dignity of the Embu people.
