By S, KNA
Another political contest is shaping up in Mbeere North Constituency as the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and opposition parties prepare for upcoming ward by-elections in Evurore and Muminji wards.
The by-elections follow the November parliamentary poll in which UDA candidate Leonard Muthende emerged victorious in a hotly contested race. The Evurore and Muminji ward seats fell vacant after their former occupants, Duncan Mbui and Newton Karish respectively, resigned to vie for the parliamentary seat but lost.
The political contest has begun to take shape following the conclusion of UDA party nominations held last Saturday. Peterson Njeru secured the party’s ticket to contest the Muminji Ward seat, while Duncan Muratia emerged as the UDA candidate for Evurore Ward.
The two candidates were formally issued with their nomination certificates on Tuesday in Nairobi, alongside other UDA aspirants who will be contesting various seats in by-elections across the country.
On the opposition side, parties have agreed to field joint candidates in each ward. The Democratic Party (DP) will field a candidate in Evurore Ward, while the Devolution Empowerment Party (DEP) will contest the Muminji Ward seat.
Mbeere North MP Leonard Muthende expressed confidence that UDA will retain both seats, saying the ruling party enjoys strong grassroots support in the area.
“We want to tell the opposition to prepare for another loss,” Muthende said, challenging Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua to field candidates on his party’s ticket to face UDA in the by-elections.
Speaking at Kanyuambora market on Tuesday, the MP urged Gachagua to accept the challenge and test his perceived political influence in the Mt. Kenya region.
“When you came here last year for the campaigns, there was no MP, but this time it will be Wa Muthende versus Wa Munyoro,” Muthende said.
Meanwhile, youthful Evurore Ward aspirant Dennis Namu, who recently defected to UDA, criticised the Democratic Party, his former political outfit, accusing it of conducting disorganised nominations.
Namu said he had opted to support Duncan Muratia, also a youth, to help build a united political front capable of delivering meaningful development and lasting change in the area.
He added that young leaders have a key role to play in shaping the future of Mbeere North through issue-based leadership and unity.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is expected to announce the by-election dates once preparations are finalised.