Manyatta MP John Mukunji now wants Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire fired from her role as United Democratic Alliance (UDA) chairperson so that she can concentrate on county affairs.

Speaking during campaigns to popularise their joint United Opposition candidate in Mbeere North, Newton Karis, on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, Mukunji argued that should UDA lose in the Mbeere North by-election, which falls within her jurisdiction, the party would lose confidence in her.

He added that her inability to deliver the seat in an area where she serves as governor would justify removing her from the role of UDA chairperson, allowing her to focus fully on her county mandate.

Mukunji further stated that Governor Mbarire has been preoccupied with party matters, leaving limited attention for county issues, which were a key reason residents voted for her.

As part of their United Opposition campaign, Mukunji urged Mbeere North voters to reject the UDA candidate, Leonard Muriuki, and also warned against re-electing Governor Mbarire in 2027.

“Tulikupea kazi ya governor ukaenda kufanya kazi ya chama Nairobi, tunataka ufutwe ukuje kufanyia watu kazi,” MP Mukunji states.

The call comes amid heightened political tensions, as the opposition led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has clashed with the state, represented by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geofrey Ruku, in promoting their respective candidates.

Statement by IEBC

Mbeere North has recently been flagged by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) as a potential hotspot for by-election tensions.

In a statement released by the commission on Friday, November 14, 2025, the commission stated that while campaigns in other areas are largely peaceful, Kasipul Kabondo and Mbeere North have been marred by inflammatory remarks, violence, and intimidation.

“While campaigns in most areas have been largely peaceful, the three institutions note with concern isolated incidents of violence, intimidation, and inflammatory utterances, particularly in Kasipul and Mbeere North constituencies,” IEBC said in a statement.

Ruku’s claims

This has been evidenced by CS Ruku accusing the United Opposition led by Rigathi Gachagua of buying ID cards belonging to people domiciled in UDA’s stronghold within the Mbeere North constituency.

“Mimi nimesikia kuna watu ati wameanza kununua IDs, kuna watu wamekuja hapa Mbeere North, wamepiga watu fimbo, mmechokora kina mama, mmewafukuza, mmeanza mpango wa kununua National Identification Card kwa mahali tuko stronghold,” Ruku said.