By S, KNA
Barely two months after a hotly contested Mbeere North Parliamentary by-election, the constituency is once again bracing for another political showdown as Evurore and Muminji wards head to the ballot in upcoming ward by-elections.
The by-elections, slated for February 26, have set the stage for a renewed battle for political supremacy between the government and the opposition, rekindling tensions that followed the recent parliamentary contest in the area.
The latest development follows the clearance of candidates by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on Friday, a move that has officially opened the campaign period and ignited heightened political activity across the constituency.
Evurore and Muminji wards have emerged as the new battlegrounds, with major political players keen on consolidating or challenging influence at the grassroots level. The by-elections have already drawn significant attention from both sides of the political divide.
United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidates Duncan Muratia Nyaga for Evurore Ward and Peterson Njeru Njiru for Muminji Ward returned their nomination papers on Friday, accompanied by a strong show of political backing from senior Kenya Kwanza leaders. The procession to the IEBC offices in Siakago Town was marked by chants and displays of support, underscoring the ruling coalition’s intent to retain dominance in the constituency.
Among the leaders present were Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, Mbeere North Member of Parliament Leo wa Muthende, and Embu Woman Representative Pamela Njoki. Their presence was widely viewed as a signal of the government’s commitment to securing victory in both wards.
On the opposition side, the Democratic Party (DP) cleared Albert Kigoro to contest the Evurore Ward seat, while the Devolution Empowerment Party (DEP) fielded Ngari Boniface Kariuki for the Muminji Ward race. The nominations have set up a fresh contest against the ruling UDA administration, albeit with fewer opposition heavyweights than in the previous election.
Addressing the press after the clearance exercise, CS Ruku took a swipe at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing his Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) of failing to field candidates in the by-elections due to what he termed as fear of another electoral defeat.
Ruku expressed disappointment that DCP had not presented candidates, arguing that the move contradicted claims that the party enjoys strong support in the Mt Kenya region. He maintained that the absence signaled waning influence following the opposition’s loss in the recent parliamentary by-election.
He further expressed confidence that UDA would clinch both seats, stating that residents of Evurore and Muminji wards were keen to align themselves with the government to benefit from development initiatives and access to national resources.
Meanwhile, MP Leo wa Muthende, fresh from his parliamentary victory, urged opposition parties to reconsider their ambitions, insisting that the political ground in Mbeere North was already firmly settled in favor of the government.