Mount Kenya East By-Election Heats Up as Kindiki and Gachagua Clash Over Development Record

Campaigns for the Mbeere North parliamentary by-election intensified this week as Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua held separate rallies, trading sharp words over the development record in Mount Kenya East.

The contest pits United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Leonard Wa Muthende against Democratic Party (DP) nominee Newton Karish.

The by-election follows Geoffrey Ruku’s nomination to the Cabinet, leaving the parliamentary seat vacant.

Kindiki, campaigning for Wa Muthende in Kanyuambora, launched a strong attack on Gachagua, accusing him of relying on insults instead of highlighting achievements during his tenure as Deputy President.

“Ati unanitusi, mimi ni rika yako? Wewe ni kingpin for who? Omba kura wacha kuja kunitusi nyumbani. You are a small timer, I will deal with you.

I advised you before you were impeached, hukuniskiza. Your injuries are self-inflicted,” Kindiki told the crowd, stressing that personal attacks were unnecessary in political debates.

Gachagua, in response, campaigned for Newton Karish in Kavengero and Ciangera, asserting that Mbeere North residents had already decided on their preferred candidate.

He urged voters to focus on the vision and promises of the candidates rather than on verbal battles.

Gachagua’s rallies highlighted his confidence in Karish’s appeal, portraying him as a leader aligned with the people’s development priorities.

Both campaigns have focused on local development issues, including roads, healthcare, and education, but the tension between the two political heavyweights has drawn most attention.