Days to the parliamentary by-elections in Mbeere North, the campaigns are hitting fever pitch with the Deputy President Kithure Kindiki hitting the ground.
On Monday, the Deputy President landed in Siakago town where he received a warm reception; Here he outlined the government’s development programs including roads, water and electricity.
Two candidates Leonard Muriuki Wamuthende Leo of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Democratic Party candidate Newton Karish will be facing off.
The by-election, set for November 27, was triggered by the appointment of former MP Geoffrey Ruku as Public Service Cabinet Secretary.
The race has been seen as a supremacy battle between Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and his predecessor Rigathi Gachagua.
However, Kindiki vowed a tough fight against the opposition, accusing them of capitalising on insults and empty promises.
“We are ready for them. They have been beating their chests and insulting area leaders, but they are about to get the shock of their lifetime,” he said.
Kindiki’s move comes even as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has traded accusations with Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire over campaign conduct.
The rivalry is seen as a proxy battle for political influence in Mt. Kenya, testing the strength of the ruling UDA against Gachagua’s united opposition.
Both sides have accused each other of orchestrating violence and intimidation.
Gachagua has criticised Mbarire and Ruku for attempting to impose a candidate on residents, alleging plots by state actors to disrupt his rallies and claiming Mbarire neglected Mbeere North for three years before the by-election campaign.
Mbarire has accused Gachagua of inciting protests and property damage in Embu town, claiming he plans to provoke violence during rallies and gain power through illegitimate means.
She called for Gachagua to be barred from campaigning, stressing that UDA supports only persuasion and dialogue.
Kindiki added that ongoing projects, including the tarmacking of Siakago-Kanyuambora Road, water schemes, and modern markets, are on track, while electricity allocation in the constituency has doubled to Sh500 million.
“The era of mistreatment and marginalisation has come to an end. We will no longer be intimidated and denied development,” said Kindiki.
