Fire! UDA’s Leo Wa Muthende Triumphs in Tense Mbeere North MP Race
Leonard Muriuki Wa Muthende of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has clinched a hard-fought victory in the Mbeere North parliamentary by-election, narrowly defeating candidate Newton Kariuki Ndwiga of the Democratic Party (DP).
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) declared Wa Muthende the MP-elect after he garnered 15,802 votes against Kariuki Ndwiga’s 15,308, marking one of the closest races in this election cycle.
Tension and Chaos During the By-Election
The by-election was characterized by heightened tensions and chaotic scenes at polling centers, most notably an incident involving Justin Muturi, a prominent political figure, who was reported to have forcefully ejected MCA Kiruga Thuku from one polling station amid voting disputes.
Former National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi was among the early voters in the Mbeere North by-election, casting his ballot at Kanyuambora Primary School. After voting, Muturi took a moment to speak with local residents and journalists, expressing confidence in the process.
“There are no goons here. Everything is peaceful and orderly,” he said, brushing off fears of political intimidation.
However, some tension arose at the polling station when Thuku showed up wearing party-branded clothing a clear violation of election rules that require neutrality within voting areas. The incident drew concern from presiding officers, and Muturi didn’t hold back in condemning the move, calling it an attempt to sway voters at a sensitive centre.
Security officers intervened after confirming the breach. Kiruga, initially defended himself, claiming it was an honest mistake. But polling officials stood firm, insisting all participants must follow the same rules. Kiruga was escorted out but later allowed back in after changing into neutral attire.
“An MCA from Nyeri, Kiruga Thuku, travelled all the way to Siakago dressed in full UDA party colors right inside a polling centre, which is illegal. Election Day is not a campaign stage, and polling stations are not theatres for party branding,” Muturi said.
“So, I made it very clear not here, not today and he was removed from the station as required, because the rules of the land must be obeyed.”
Election officers reported smooth operations, with only minor delays at a handful of stations where presiding officers opened slightly behind schedule.
“Residents were seen queuing patiently, observing electoral procedures, as security and polling officials oversaw a smooth voting process,” the commission noted. “This by-election is closely watched as parties and candidates vie to fill the seat.”
Political Heavyweights Behind Wa Muthende’s Campaign
Wa Muthende’s campaign enjoyed backing from key UDA leadership, including Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki and influential Cabinet Secretaries, signifying strong party unity behind his bid.
This support was crucial in rallying voters despite fierce competition from opposition candidates, with UDA positioning Wa Muthende as the torchbearer for continued development and stability in Mbeere North.
Wa Muthende’s Political Journey and Vision
A seasoned politician and entrepreneur, Wa Muthende first gained national recognition during his 2017 run for the Embu gubernatorial seat, and has since been a prominent voice in regional politics.
His campaign promises focused on education bursaries, youth empowerment, rural electrification, improved water supply, and infrastructure development.
Upon victory, Wa Muthende pledged to unify the constituency and complete ongoing development projects while initiating new programs aimed at addressing local challenges like unemployment and road conditions.
What This Win Means for Embu Politics
Wa Muthende’s win consolidates UDA’s growing influence in Embu County and positions him as a rising political figure in Mt. Kenya East ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
His youthful appeal and message of progress resonated with voters eager for change, as celebrations erupted across towns including Siakago, Mutuobare, and Kanyuambora following the announcement.
The electoral outcome highlights a significant shift in the political landscape, signaling UDA’s tightening grip in the region.
The immediate next steps include official validation of the results by IEBC and Wa Muthende’s swearing-in as the new Member of Parliament for Mbeere North, where expectations are high for swift implementation of his promised agenda.