The Mbeere North parliamentary by-election took a fiery turn as Democratic Party (DP) candidate Newton Karish slammed Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, accusing her of meddling in politics while ignoring local issues.

Speaking in Mbeere North on Sunday, November 16, 2025, Karish questioned the governor’s priorities, saying hospitals in the area remained under-equipped and lacking essential drugs.

“Are hospitals here with drugs? The governor has been camping here, going up and down. The only drug she has been carrying is just one, a drug called Muthende. Are you going to take the drug called Muthende? Are you hailing from Muthende? Let the governor go back to her office and do her work,” he said.

Karish, a former musician turned politician, also stated that government forces were interfering with opposition campaigns. He claimed that police had occupied a field earmarked for an opposition rally in Kanyuombora to intimidate supporters.

“Very soon I would be the firstborn of the United Opposition. The government is determined to stop us, but we are determined to move to the end and win this election,” Karish said.

He further accused authorities of distributing money to youths to disrupt opposition activities.

Also watch: Opposition warns of intimidation, says govt fears defeat in Mbeere North

Intimidation claims rock campaign

Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji, supporting Karish, added that intimidation tactics aimed to make it appear as if the DP candidate lacked support.

“Since yesterday, we have been threatened not to step in Mbeere North. They want it to appear as if Karish has no friends or support,” Mukunji said.

UDA, however, denied the accusations. On November 15, party chairperson Cecily Mbarire filed a complaint at Ishiara Police Station, accusing DP leader Rigathi Gachagua and allies of planning to bring outsiders into Mbeere North to cause chaos during rallies. Mbarire said those mobilised were given UDA-branded T-shirts, to frame the party if violence occurred.

The IEBC has identified Mbeere North as a volatile area ahead of the November 27 by-election, citing incidents of intimidation and inflammatory remarks.