Test for Ruto, opposition as by-election campaigns end today

President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza coalition and the United Opposition are deploying last-minute strategies as campaigns for Thursday’s by-elections conclude today.

Both sides have unleashed what appears to be their final push to win over voters in these high-stakes mini-polls, which are widely seen as a rehearsal for the 2027 general election.

Campaigns wrap up on Monday, 48 hours before election day, in line with election laws and Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) guidelines.

Over the past week, coalitions intensified grassroots mobilisation, splitting their teams to conduct aggressive door-to-door campaigns.

They are also simultaneously engaging local media houses in targeted messaging efforts.

In Mbeere North constituency, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku campaigned for UDA candidate Leonard Wamuthende, who faces stiff competition from the Democratic Party’s Newton Karish.

“We are supporting Wamuthende because we will work with him to complete projects already being implemented in this area,” Kindiki said.

He criticised leaders backing the opposition candidate, accusing them of failing to initiate significant development projects during their tenure.

“When we needed them most, they were absent. Now they are everywhere, insulting us and belittling leaders. Do not be distracted by them,” the DP said.

He urged residents to turn out in large numbers and vote for Wamuthende, saying the government would appreciate and reciprocate the support.

“We will be grateful and we will not forget your support. We will complete ongoing projects and start many more here,” Kindiki said.

DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua has been conducting door-to-door campaigns, asserting his influence as a Mt Kenya political kingpin.

On Sunday, he attended a church service at ACK St Stephen’s Karangare Church in Ishiara, where he campaigned for Karish.

He later traversed several areas in the constituency in a final attempt to consolidate support ahead of Thursday’s vote.

He has complemented these visits with media interviews, including a Sunday session with Maa media stations, promoting the DCP candidate for Narok Township MCA.

Today, the opposition brigade will camp in the ward to campaign for its candidate, Douglas Masikonde.

On Saturday, he appeared on Embu-based stations following a day-long campaign in Mbeere North.

A similar strategy is underway in Malava constituency, where the contest between Kenya Kwanza and the United Opposition is intense.

Ruto has deployed a strong team led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, his aide Farouk Kibet and several MPs to campaign for UDA candidate David Ndakwa.

“There are competitors in this region abusing CS Oparanya, PCS Musalia Mudavadi and myself. Their campaign has no agenda other than insults,” Wetang’ula said, adding that their political messaging lacked direction.

UDA leaders are portraying Ndakwa as the natural custodian of the development legacy left by the late MP Malulu Injendi.

Meanwhile, the opposition has mobilised a team of influential politicians, including Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa and DCP deputy leader Cleophas Malala to campaign for Seth Panyako.

Elsewhere, campaigns have intensified in Magarini (Kilifi), Ugunja (Siaya), Kasipul (Homa Bay) and Banissa (Mandera) where candidates and their parties are making a final push to win over undecided voters.

On Saturday, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka camped in Ugunja to rally support for his party’s candidate in the parliamentary by-election, signalling the importance the coalition places on reclaiming the seat.