Karish dismisses claims of joining the govt after losing Mbeere North by-election
By Brian Malila, May 13, 2026Former Mbeere North parliamentary aspirant Newton Kariuki has dismissed claims that he has joined the government following his recent interactions with Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire during public and social events.
Speaking to the members of the Press on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Kisimayu Mbeti South ward, the Former Mbeere North Constituency aspirant cleared the air on his interactions with the Kenya Kwanza leaders despite being in the Opposition pact.
He said some individuals had accused him of being compromised and secretly negotiating to join the government camp after his loss in the Mbeere North by-election.
However, Kariuki strongly denied the allegations, insisting that meeting and talking with the governor should not be interpreted as political betrayal or alignment.
According to him, Governor Mbarire currently serves all residents of Embu County regardless of their political affiliations, and leaders must engage each other for the sake of development and unity.
Kariuki said the governor represents the interests of all people in Embu County, including residents from his home area of Mumenje in Mbeere North.
“I am not talking to Cecily as an individual, but to the Governor of Embu who represents the interests of the people,” Kariuki stated.
He maintained that political differences should not stop leaders from interacting during public functions, community events and development discussions.
Karish defends County engagements
The former aspirant further argued that constructive engagement with county leadership does not amount to abandoning his political stand or compromising his ideals.
Kariuki noted that some politicians were deliberately spreading propaganda to portray him as having shifted allegiance for personal gain.
He reiterated that he remains firm in defending the interests of the people who supported him during the heated Mbeere North by-election contest.Karish became widely known across Embu County following his fierce political battle with with the current area MP Leo wa Muthende during the by-election.
The youthful politician contested the seat using the Democratic Party (DP) ticket but lost to Leo wa Muthende, who vied under the ruling United Democratic Alliance party ticket in a highly contested race that attracted national political attention.
While he previously contested using the Democratic Party ticket, it remains a matter of wait and see whether he will stick with the party or seek another political vehicle as political realignments continue taking shape in the Mt Kenya region.