A photo of Chinga ward MCA Thuku Kiruga with DP leader Justin Muturi in yellow jacket (left) and having removed it/COURTESYChinga Ward MCA Thuku Kiruga has denied wearing party colours during the Mbeere North by-election, amid chaos that erupted at Siakago Social Hall during the voting process.
Addressing the press, Kiruga insisted his jacket was ordinary yellow clothing.
“The law targets branded party colors. My jacket is normal yellow, the kind I wear to church or weddings. Yellow represents compassion and peace; I was simply being peaceful,” he said.
Kiruga, serving as the UDA candidate Leonard Wamuthende’s party agent, was forced out of the hall by DP leader Justin Muturi.
Muturi, accompanied by supporters, confronted Kiruga and insisted that he leave the venue.
“We have just told him to go out. This is in line with party rules and electoral regulations prohibiting the display of rival party colors at party events,” Muturi said.
The yellow bomber jacket worn by Kiruga sparked protests from the rival group, which deemed it a breach of electoral rules.
Kiruga later returned to the hall after removing the yellow jacket, and he also dismissed allegations that he had been distributing bribes as alleged.
“If people feel threatened, they should stop creating sideshows. I have never bribed anyone. Let them produce even one person. I know the electoral rules and I follow them,” Kiruga insisted.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku also maintained that there was no voter bribery from their side.
“We have conducted vigorous campaigns across Mbeere, and we are confident that the people of Mbeere made their decision a week ago. Today is just a confirmation of their choice,” he said.
Wamuthende has expressed confidence in winning the parliamentary seat, citing a well-conducted campaign as the foundation for his optimism.
He said he was not worried about the outcome and that he was ready to accept the results.
“Mimi niko tayari na sina shaka, tulishinda (I am ready and I am not worried at all that we are winning),” he told reporters.
The candidate at the same time accused opposition elements of attempting to orchestrate chaos to derail the voting process and disrupt the counting of votes.
However, he appealed to his supporters to remain calm and avoid retaliatory actions.
“They will not succeed at all. I have told our supporters to vote and then go home to await the results,” he said.
Wamuthende’s comments come as voting continued in various parts of the constituency, where security and polling arrangements have been intensified to ensure a peaceful and transparent voting process.
Mbeere North is among the 22 electoral areas across the country where IEBC is conducting by-elections.
