Elders from Mbeere Community in Embu County have resolved to support a pro-government candidate in the upcoming by-election for the Mbeere North parliamentary seat.
The by-election was necessitated by appointment of Geoffrey Ruku as Cabinet Secretly (CS) for Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programme.
The over 5,500 elders who met in Siakago Town on Saturday, unanimously agreed to support and rally behind the candidate who will clinche the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) nomination ticket.
The race has attracted eight aspirants including former MP Muriuki Njagagua and Speaker of the County Assembly Josiah Thiriku.
They said a pro-government candidate was the best bet for them to continue the good work CS Ruku had done in the area for the last two years.
They pledged to mobilize the whole community in favor of the candidate.
They also argued that it was the best way for the community to return the favor by the President to appoint Ruku to the cabinet after dismissal of J B Muturi who also hails from the area.
Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki, who graced the event, welcomed the elders’ unity and commitment, assuring them that the government would not interfere with the by-election.
He emphasized the administration’s respect for democratic processes, adding that residents would be free to elect a leader of their choice without coercion.
He however, appealed to the community to rally behind the UDA candidate, pointing out that continued support for the government would ensure accelerated development in the region.
Kindiki added that those who do not secure the ticket will still be considered for government appointments, emphasizing inclusivity and party unity.
He also announced plans by the government to resume several stalled infrastructure projects, attributing the delays to previous budget constraints.
Among the key developments highlighted were the tarmacking of the Kanyuambora–Kamumu–Kageri road, expansion of the Kanyuambora and Kamata irrigation schemes, rural electrification efforts, and the planned upgrade of the Gikuyari–Kirie–Ishiara road to bitumen standards.
Prof. Kindiki assured residents that the government had secured the necessary funds and pledged to see all projects completed by 2027.
The appointment of Ruku was hailed by the elders as a major milestone for numerically small community, but professionally rich that often finds itself marginalized in national politics.
CS Ruku noted that the unity of the elders reflects the wider community’s determination to remain aligned with the government’s national development blueprint.
The by-election date is yet to be announced, but the race for the seat is heating up by the day.
By Samuel Waititu
