MBEERE NORTH, Kenya — The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has secured a vital parliamentary seat after its candidate, Leo Wamuthende, was declared the winner of the Mbeere North by-election early Friday morning.
The closely watched race drew national attention, transforming the local contest into a proxy battle that reflected simmering power dynamics within the Mt. Kenya leadership of the ruling party.
Wamuthende was announced the Member of Parliament-elect by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), clinching the victory with 15,802 votes.
The result underscores the intense nature of the competition, as Wamuthende defeated his nearest rival, Newton Kariuki (also known as Newton Karish) of the Democratic Party (DP), by a slim margin of only 494 votes. Kariuki secured a strong showing with 15,308 votes.
Pledge of non-discrimination and unity
Speaking after his hard-fought victory, the UDA MP-elect expressed gratitude to his supporters and committed himself to unifying the constituency across political lines.
“I thank God. I thank all my supporters for their support and prayers,” he said, acknowledging the competitive nature of the election.
Wamuthende extended a crucial assurance to all residents, pledging to deliver services equitably.
“I have made a commitment not only to those who elected me but to all residents of Mbeere North… I will discharge my duty without any discrimination.”
The new MP pledged to immediately prioritize his campaign promises, specifically citing the fair distribution of bursaries, free secondary education for day scholars, and essential infrastructural development.
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He also assured residents that he would focus on completing projects initiated by his predecessor before launching new ones, aiming for seamless leadership continuity.
Wamuthende concluded by thanking his party and commending both the IEBC and security teams for ensuring what he termed a “fair election.”
A proxy contest for regional supremacy
The Mbeere North poll became a testing ground for rival factions within the ruling coalition.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki threw his full political weight behind Wamuthende’s UDA campaign, personally leading rallies and framing the election as a crucial vote for continuity and the successful delivery of government-funded development projects.
In contrast, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua rallied significant support for the DP candidate, Newton Kariuki, utilizing a distinct grassroots, door-to-door canvassing approach.
Gachagua’s campaign urged voters to resist what he termed “state-sponsored politics,” positioning the contest as a critical test of independent voter choice against perceived centralized pressure.
