Mike Makarina: Mbeere North by-election outcome will be Gachagua’s biggest shame
By Mabonga Makhanu, November 18, 2025Opinion shaper and people living with disabilities defender, Mike Makarina, has stated that the Mbeere North by-election outcome will be the biggest humiliation for former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Speaking in a video posted on his social media on Wednesday, November 18, 2025, the PWD defender urged Gachagua to brace for a huge loss in the constituency, where he has been campaigning to popularize his Democratic Party (DP) candidate, Newton Karish.
Makarina, who hails from neighbouring Meru County, stated that he has been making rounds in the Mbeere North area, engaging people on a one-on-one basis.
He added that residents have confided in him that they will vote for Newton Karish, who is set to take on United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Leonard Muuriki, dismissing Gachagua as a comedian rather than a politician.
He further stated that no matter how hard Gachagua tries to campaign, the Mbeere North race is a done deal, and the government’s candidate, Leonard, has already made it to Parliament. Makarina also condemned Gachagua for labelling Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire as “Karinda,” a term he has been using in recent times, describing it as derogatory and undermining women.
“Nimekuwa huku mbeere north naskiza tu watu, nikiwauliza kati ya comedian Gachagua na deputy president Kithure Kindiki nani ata win hii kiti, nataka kuambia gachagua unaenda kuibika mapema, saa kumi na mbili asubuhi utakuwa na aibu hautawahi ona”
“Nimefurahisha na watu wa mbeere wanasema Gachagua ni comedian, ni mtu wa vitimbi”
Mbeere north byelections
These comments come as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has vowed to pitch camps in the constituency until his candidate secures a parliamentary seat. The government has also deployed its machinery to the area, led by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, to ensure the opposition candidate does not gain traction.
Gachagua has been spending days and nights in the area, conducting his signature morning walks while engaging locals to rally behind Karish’s candidature. The former deputy president even skipped campaigning in Magarini for his DCP candidate, Stanley Kenga Karissa, sending his deputy, Cleophas Malala, along with other United Opposition leaders to represent him.