Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has officially engaged with the Democratic Party (DP) candidate Hon. Newton Kariuki Ndwiga (Newton Karish) ahead of the upcoming Mbeere North by-election.
This development comes days after DCP announced its withdrawal from the race to support the DP candidate, a move seen as an effort to consolidate opposition support in the region.
Gachagua held an in-depth consultation meeting with Hon. Newton Kariuki Ndwiga, DP Party Leader Hon. Justin Muturi, and Manyatta MP Hon. Gitonga Mukunji, signaling a new alignment in the contest.
During the meeting, Rigathi emphasized the need for servant leadership and independent-minded representatives who prioritize the needs of the people over political loyalty.
“The people of Mbeere North deserve leadership that listens to them and understands that a member of parliament needn’t be an executive stooge but a representative, a lawmaker, and an oversight to the executive,” Rigathi said.
Newton Kariuki Ndwiga, who currently serves as the Muminji Ward MCA, is expected to present his nomination papers to the IEBC tomorrow 8th October, officially setting the stage for a competitive race.
The Battle Lines in Mbeere North
The November by-election has drawn several strong contenders, each backed by different political heavyweights.
- Newton Karish (DP) – Backed by Justin Muturi and now supported by Rigathi Gachagua’s DCP.
- Duncan Mbui (Chama Cha Kazi) – Backed by former CS Moses Kuria, Mbui is a two-term Evurore Ward MCA known for his strong grassroots following.
- Leonard Muthende (UDA) – The ruling party’s candidate, closely associated with Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku.
Political Stakes
The Mbeere North seat fell vacant after former MP Geoffrey Ruku was appointed Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes. His elevation sparked an intense political contest, seen by many as a litmus test for influence among key Mount Kenya East leaders.
With Rigathi Gachagua and Justin Muturi now reading from the same script, analysts say the race could reshape political alliances within the Mt. Kenya region, especially as President Ruto’s UDA faces growing resistance from local leaders who accuse it of sidelining the grassroots.
The by-election will therefore not only determine Mbeere North’s next MP but could also signal the direction Mt. Kenya politics is heading as new power alignments emerge.
