The Mbeere North by-election campaigns have taken a dramatic turn after Chama Cha Kazi (CCK) candidate Duncan Mbui launched a scathing attack on Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, accusing him of using state resources to influence the race.
Mbui, alleged that the former Mbeere North MP has abandoned his national duties and is instead spending all his time campaigning for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate. According to Mbui, Ruku has been traversing the constituency with choppers and large motorcades, which he claims are disguised as development tours but are in reality political campaigns.
“You have been made a CS for the country, not for Mbeere North Constituency alone,” Mbui declared. “It is unfortunate that instead of serving Kenyans in his new capacity, Ruku is busy interfering with the democratic will of the people by using government machinery to tilt the race.”
The CCK candidate further accused Ruku of practicing nepotism, claiming that the CS has sidelined sections of the constituency in favor of his allies. He warned voters against falling for what he termed as “state-sponsored campaigns,” insisting that leadership should be based on service delivery, not influence and intimidation.
Mbui appealed to Mbeere North residents to rally behind his candidacy, reminding them of the support they accorded him in 2022 when he won the Evurore Ward MCA seat as an independent. “The people stood with me then, and I believe they will stand with me again. I am one of them, I understand their struggles, and I am committed to fighting for their future without fear or favor,” he said.
The November by-election, occasioned by Ruku’s elevation to the Cabinet, has attracted a crowded field of candidates. Besides Mbui of CCK, others in the race include Leonard Muthende of UDA, Newton Kariuki Ndwiga of the Democratic Party (DP), Jacob Mbao of Jubilee Party, and Simon Waiharo of the United Movement Party (UMP).
Political observers say the poll will be closely watched as a test of President William Ruto’s grip on the Mt. Kenya East region, particularly after his strained relations with key leaders including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and former Attorney General Justin Muturi.
With tensions rising and accusations flying, the Mbeere North by-election is shaping up to be one of the fiercest mini-polls in recent years.
