BY STEPHEN KILONZI
Chama Cha Kazi (CCK) parliamentary candidate Duncan Mbui has urged Mbeere North residents to reject the government-backed candidate in the upcoming by-election, accusing President William Ruto’s administration of failing to deliver on development pledges made during the 2022 general elections.
Speaking after receiving defectors from rival parties, Mbui said the Kenya Kwanza government had betrayed the trust of Mbeere people despite their overwhelming support for President Ruto.
“We gave them 87 percent of our votes. They promised us roads, the Kamumu Dam, and jobs for our youth. Three years later, there is nothing to show for it,” Mbui said.
He accused the ruling coalition of hypocrisy, claiming the same leaders who made unfulfilled promises were now back seeking votes through the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate.
Mbui urged locals to use the by-election as a protest vote against the government, saying residents want action, not more talk.
“The president should first deliver on his promises before sending his candidate here. We don’t want more empty words; we want action,” he added.
Mbui also hit out at Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, accusing him of interfering in the race instead of focusing on national duties.
“Let the people decide freely without interference from those in government,” he said.
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Mbui faces off against UDA’s Leonard Muthende and Democratic Party (DP) candidate Newton Kariuki alias Karish in what has become a fiercely contested race testing the Kenya Kwanza government’s influence in Embu County.
Former National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi and ex-Senator Lenny Kivuti are backing Karish, while Governor Cecily Mbarire, CS Ruku, and former MP Muriuki Njagagua are leading campaigns for Muthende.
Chama Cha Kazi leader Moses Kuria, who recently resigned as Ruto’s advisor, is supporting Mbui, describing the contest as a chance for locals to hold the government accountable for unmet promises.
Political analysts say the outcome of the by-election will go beyond Mbeere North, potentially reshaping political alliances and power dynamics in the wider Mount Kenya East region ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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