Kindiki: Mbeere North by-election is about development, not revenge

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki with United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate in Mbeere North Leonard Wamuthende in Kivue area/DPCS

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has urged voters in Mbeere North constituency to resist what he described as vengeful politics being pushed by rivals ahead of the November 27 by-election.

Speaking during a campaign rally in Kivue on Sunday, Kindiki emphasised that the people of Mbeere North should not be used as pawns in political games orchestrated by individuals who had previously held high government positions but are now out of office.

“You were assigned huge duties to help the President serve the people, but you chose sabotage, threats, and intimidation, and now you are out here lying to people to follow you into the opposition,” Kindiki stated.

Kindiki, who was campaigning for United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Leonard “Leo” Wamuthende, popularly known as Leo wa Muthende, urged the electorate to vote for leaders with a clear track record and development agenda.

“We cannot do such a foolish thing because this is the government we elected. We cannot go to the opposition yet there are many development projects lined up in our area,” he noted.

He expressed confidence that Leo would win the by-election, emphasising that the contest should focus on tangible benefits to the community rather than revenge politics.

“Leo is a respectful leader. He has clearly explained what he plans to do to ensure ongoing development projects are completed and commencement of others. There is no day he has insulted anyone, even his competitors,” the Deputy President added.

He reassured voters that his office exists to serve the public, pointing out that those currently criticising him did little for Mbeere North or the wider region when they held office.

“I am duly in office as the Deputy President of Kenya by right. I am assisting the President serve the people of Kenya,” Kindiki affirmed. 

The Mbeere North seat fell vacant in April 2025 following the resignation of the constituency’s Member of Parliament, Geoffrey Kariuki Kiringa Ruku.

His resignation came after he was appointed Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes by President William Ruto.

On April 16, 2025, Ruku formally submitted his resignation to the National Assembly, effective the same evening, and was sworn into his new cabinet role the following morning. Parliamentary authorities subsequently declared the Mbeere North seat officially vacant, triggering preparations for the by-election.

The upcoming by-election on November 27, 2025, has since become a highly contested race, with candidates campaigning vigorously to secure the support of the electorate.

With the by-election approaching, all eyes remain on Mbeere North as residents prepare to exercise their democratic right to select a representative who will steer the constituency toward further development.