Kindiki, Gachagua lock horns in Mbeere North MP by-election

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has squarely positioned himself at the forefront of the Mbeere North parliamentary by-election in what is shaping into a titanic battle with his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua.

As the by-election approaches, their confrontation has transformed the local contest into a high-stakes battle that could redefine political dynamics in Mt Kenya region, with neither side acceding to any iota of a loss.

The two leaders have resolved to camp in the region in efforts to win support for their respective candidates, with the DP rallying the residents to support UDA candidate Leo Muriuki, popularly known as Wamuthende.

Yesterday, Kindiki led rallies in the constituency, warning the opposition against sponsoring chaos and staking the government's credibility on Leo’s victory.

He is using the campaign to demonstrate his expanded influence following his rise to the Deputy Presidency, with his direct involvement in the contest being closely watched as a sign of his new political responsibilities.

Speaking at a campaign rally in Karambari, the Deputy President stated that any attempts to disrupt the peace in the constituency would not be entertained.

He accused certain opposition leaders of resorting to violence in a bid to sway the electoral outcome.

“We cannot allow some people to incite us against each other, yet we know the challenges we are facing as the people of Mt Kenya East,” DP Kindiki said.

“We don’t have a problem with our opponents, but we cannot allow one person who is sponsoring goons to drive a wedge among our peaceful people of Embu and Mbeere North.”

Gachagua, for his part, has employed a strategy of going door to door to appeal to the constituents to consider the DCP candidate Newton Kariuki, popularly known as Karis.

The ex-DP has criticised the campaign by his successor, billing it as state-sponsored, further alleging the use of state resources in the bid.

“I am with the villagers every step of the way, one by one, home by home, village by village in a mission to liberate one nation, Kenya,” Gachagua wrote on X, adding, “Our resources must be used strictly for the purposes for which they were intended.”

Pundits say the current DP is not just seeking to secure the seat for his party but also asserting his position as a leading political force in the region, and the government’s foremost campaigner.

In his address on Tuesday, the Deputy President also launched a sharp critique against opposition leaders, reminding voters of their previous tenures in government.

“You did nothing when you were in office, now you are here lecturing us and insulting Embu leaders who were elected by wananchi. This is not acceptable, and the era of pride and insults has come to an end,” he added.

In a clear use of his office to bolster the ruling party's candidate, DP Kindiki said the area's development would accelerate if Leo were elected.

He showcased a list of ongoing national government projects, including the tarmacking of the Saikago-Kanyuambora and Gukuyari-Muminji-Kirie-Ishiara roads—projects he credited to President William Ruto's administration after decades of delay.

Further highlighting the government's deliverables, he pointed to 12 modern markets, water projects, and a doubled allocation of Sh500 million for last-mile electricity connectivity in the constituency.

Appealing to voters as a regional neighbour from Tharaka Nithi, the Deputy President framed the election as a critical choice.

“I am pleading with you not to be enticed into the opposition by those who don’t mean well and lose the goodwill to complete all these projects,” he urged.

“With Leo in Parliament, it will be easier to push for the completion of all these projects. You cannot have someone in Parliament who will be opposing the President and his government from the first day.”

Gachagua’s side is also insisting they are no pushovers and would make a statement despite the state machinery’s involvement in the campaign.

The former DP’s campaign has focused on portraying his candidate as the true representative of the people's will, untainted by the excesses of state power.

In his social media posts and grassroots meetings, he has emphasised the need for an independent voice in Parliament, one that would prioritise constituency needs over blind loyalty to the administration.

"We need a representative who will speak truth to power, not one who will be a mere rubber stamp in the National Assembly," Gachagua told a gathering of supporters in Kanyuambora.

His team has organised a series of community meetings and church visits, aiming to connect with voters on a personal level.

"This election is about the people of Mbeere North, not about political heavyweights from outside," said Kariuki during a recent campaign stop.

"We are confident that when the people speak, they will choose someone who understands their daily struggles and will represent their interests without distraction."

INSTANT ANALYSIS

As the campaign period draws to a close, both sides are pulling out all the stops, with plans for major final rallies that are expected to feature other political heavyweights from across the political divide. The outcome of this closely watched contest will undoubtedly send ripples through the country's political landscape, potentially reshaping alliances and strategies ahead of the next general election.