Gachagua reveals what Mbeere North residents told him ahead of November 27 by-election
By Faith Lagat, November 20, 2025Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has stated that residents of Mbeere North Constituency remain committed to their development priorities ahead of the November 27, 2025, parliamentary by-election.
The former Deputy President spent the day campaigning for Democratic Congress Party (DCP) candidate Newton Kariuki, popularly known as Karish, in what has emerged as one of the most competitive by-elections in the Mt Kenya East region.
“The people of Mbeere North are clear and resolute about their priorities. They know exactly what they want, and nothing will distract them from the future they are determined to shape. We have a date with destiny,” Gachagua wrote on X on Thursday, November 20, 2025.
“It was profound to engage and interact with the residents of Kavengero Shopping Centre in Evurore Ward, Mbeere North Constituency. Eyes on the prize.”
Door-to-door campaign
Gachagua began his campaign in the morning at Mùgùka farms and Mla Chake Muguka Market in Nthawa Ward, engaging with farmers and traders who rely on the stimulant crop for their livelihoods.
“We are in the village with the people, listening to them and their aspirations. We do so because it is the people at whose command we serve,” he said, emphasizing his grassroots approach.
He highlighted the importance of a representative who would prioritize the economic interests of the constituency.
“Listening to the farmers and traders here, without doubt, Mbeere North deserves a selfless people’s representative to champion marketing of Muguka produce and ensure good prices,” he added.
Gachagua appealed directly to farmers and traders to support Karish, stating that the candidate’s focus aligned with their needs.
Later, Gachagua visited Mlachake Market, interacting with miraa traders, before joining residents at the home of Mzee Simon in Munandari Witwa Village, Nthawa Ward. “Later, I joined the villagers for a cup of tea and an interesting morning conversation,” he wrote.
Rising tensions ahead of polls
As the by-election enters its final week, tensions have escalated. Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, campaigning for United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Leonard Muriuki, accused Gachagua’s team of attempting to obtain national identity cards in UDA strongholds to suppress voter turnout.
Ruku claimed the move aimed to give Karish an advantage in areas where the ruling party has significant support.
Gachagua has pledged to remain in the constituency until Karish is declared the winner and sworn in as the Member of Parliament. Observers view the Mbeere North by-election as an early gauge of political strength ahead of the 2027 general elections.