The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on Friday, November 28, declared the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate, Leonard Wa Muthende, the MP-elect in the Mbeere-North mini-polls.
This is after Wa Muthende received 15,802 votes, against the Democratic Party's Newton Kariuki, popularly known as Karish, who garnered 15,308.
"The Constituency returning officer hereby declares that Leonard Wa Muthende has been duly elected as the member of the national assembly for Mbeere North Constituency," IEBC announced.
The mini-polls were triggered by the appointment of Geoffrey Ruku as Public Service Cabinet Secretary, replacing Justin Muturi, who was dismissed in March this year.
Wa Muthende's elections follow a series of heated campaigns and supremacy battles between pro-government politicians and the united opposition.
The Mbeere-North elections held on November 27 were marked by a huge voter turnout and heightened security as the differences among the candidates played out openly.
IEBC had cleared nine candidates to run for the Mbeere-North parliamentary polls; however, the mini polls were largely considered a two-horse race between Wa Muthende and Karish.
Karish came second, slightly below Wa Muthende, despite the immense effort by the united opposition leaders, led by former Prime Minister Rigathi Gachagua, to campaign for him.
Gachagua even deployed a rigorous door-to-door strategy and pledged to remain in the constituency until the November 27, 2025, by-election concludes.
The former DP, who framed the elections as a fight to restore the dignity of Mt Kenya region, also held grassroots mobilisation through morning walks, sharing meals, and engaging locals in activities to woo residents to vote for Karish.
On the other hand, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki intensively campaigned for Wamuthende. During the campaigns, Kindiki emphasised that electing Wamuthende was crucial for completing government projects in the area, including roads, water supply, and electricity.
The campaigns for Wa Muthende also drew support from CS Ruku and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, who is also the UDA Chairperson.
