Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has squarely positioned
himself at the forefront of the Mbeere North parliamentary by-election in what
is shaping into a titanic battle with his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua.
As the by-election approaches, their confrontation has transformed
the local contest into a high-stakes battle that could redefine political
dynamics in Mt Kenya region, with neither side acceding to any iota of a loss.
The two leaders have resolved to camp in the region in efforts
to win support for their respective candidates, with the DP rallying the
residents to support UDA candidate Leo Muriuki, popularly known as Wamuthende.
Yesterday, Kindiki led rallies in the constituency, warning
the opposition against sponsoring chaos and staking the government's
credibility on Leo’s victory.
He is using the campaign to demonstrate his expanded
influence following his rise to the Deputy Presidency, with his direct involvement
in the contest being closely watched as a sign of his new political
responsibilities.
Speaking at a campaign rally in Karambari, the Deputy
President stated that any attempts to disrupt the peace in the constituency
would not be entertained.
He accused certain opposition leaders of resorting to
violence in a bid to sway the electoral outcome.
“We cannot allow some people to incite us against each other, yet we know the challenges we are facing as the people of Mt Kenya East,” DP
Kindiki said.
“We don’t have a problem with our opponents, but we cannot
allow one person who is sponsoring goons to drive a wedge among our peaceful
people of Embu and Mbeere North.”
Gachagua, for his part, has employed a strategy of going
door to door to appeal to the constituents to consider the DCP candidate Newton
Kariuki, popularly known as Karis.
The ex-DP has criticised the campaign by his successor,
billing it as state-sponsored, further alleging the use of state resources in
the bid.
“I am with the villagers every step of the way, one by one,
home by home, village by village in a mission to liberate one nation, Kenya,”
Gachagua wrote on X, adding, “Our resources must be used strictly for the
purposes for which they were intended.”
Pundits say the current DP is not just seeking to secure the
seat for his party but also asserting his position as a leading political force
in the region, and the government’s foremost campaigner.
In his address on Tuesday, the Deputy President also launched a
sharp critique against opposition leaders, reminding voters of their previous
tenures in government.
“You did nothing when you were in office, now you are here
lecturing us and insulting Embu leaders who were elected by wananchi. This is
not acceptable, and the era of pride and insults has come to an end,” he added.
In a clear use of his office to bolster the ruling party's candidate,
DP Kindiki said the area's development would accelerate if Leo were elected.
He showcased a list of ongoing national government projects,
including the tarmacking of the Saikago-Kanyuambora and
Gukuyari-Muminji-Kirie-Ishiara roads—projects he credited to President William
Ruto's administration after decades of delay.
Further highlighting the government's deliverables, he
pointed to 12 modern markets, water projects, and a doubled allocation of Sh500
million for last-mile electricity connectivity in the constituency.
Appealing to voters as a regional neighbour from Tharaka
Nithi, the Deputy President framed the election as a critical choice.
“I am pleading with you not to be enticed into the
opposition by those who don’t mean well and lose the goodwill to complete all
these projects,” he urged.
“With Leo in Parliament, it will be easier to push for the
completion of all these projects. You cannot have someone in Parliament who
will be opposing the President and his government from the first day.”
Gachagua’s side is also insisting they are no pushovers and would
make a statement despite the state machinery’s involvement in the campaign.
The former DP’s campaign has focused on portraying his
candidate as the true representative of the people's will, untainted by the
excesses of state power.
In his social media posts and grassroots meetings, he has
emphasised the need for an independent voice in Parliament, one that would
prioritise constituency needs over blind loyalty to the administration.
"We need a representative who will speak truth to
power, not one who will be a mere rubber stamp in the National Assembly,"
Gachagua told a gathering of supporters in Kanyuambora.
His team has organised a series of community meetings and
church visits, aiming to connect with voters on a personal level.
"This election is about the people of Mbeere North, not
about political heavyweights from outside," said Kariuki during a recent
campaign stop.
"We are confident that when the people speak, they will
choose someone who understands their daily struggles and will represent their
interests without distraction."
INSTANT ANALYSIS
As the campaign period draws to a close, both sides are
pulling out all the stops, with plans for major final rallies that are expected
to feature other political heavyweights from across the political divide. The
outcome of this closely watched contest will undoubtedly send ripples through
the country's political landscape, potentially reshaping alliances and
strategies ahead of the next general election.
