Former Attorney General Justin Muturi has urged voters in Mbeere to exercise their democratic right amid by-election tensions in the region.

Posting on his X account on Thursday, November 27, 2025, Muturi confirmed that he had cast his vote at Kanyuambora Primary School, describing the process as smooth, calm and moving efficiently.

“I have this morning cast my vote at Kanyuambora Primary School, and I can confirm that the process is smooth, calm and moving efficiently. Even with the heavy police presence meant to instil fear and discourage participation the people of Mbeere remain unmoved,” he wrote.

Muturi called on all voters to step out boldly, vote in large numbers, and make their voices heard. He encouraged residents to back Newton Kariuki Ndwiga and said the will of the people was stronger than any attempts to suppress it.

Muturi emphasised that democracy belongs to the brave, adding that Mbeere voters should decide their future at the ballot and not be swayed by threats or theatrics.

“I call upon all voters to step out boldly and exercise their democratic right. Come out in large numbers, vote, and make your voice the loudest statement today. There is nothing to fear. The process is working, the will of the people is alive, and our determination is stronger than any attempt to suppress it.”

“Cast your vote for a leader who stands with the people Hon. Newton Kariuki Ndwiga. Let us deliver the mandate, then proceed with our daily work as we await the tally. Democracy belongs to the brave. Mbeere is awake, and we shall decide our future at the ballot, not through threats or theatrics. Let no one silence your vote. Step out. Decide. Deliver.”

The call comes amid reports of violence and intimidation in parts of the country during the by-elections. Former Senior Advisor in President William Ruto’s Council of Economic Advisors, Moses Kuria, reported that polling agents in Mbeere North faced attacks on their way to stations. Kuria said goons targeted agents as voting began on Thursday morning.

Earlier in the week, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) claimed that opposition groups had brought people into Mbeere North to create chaos and interfere with the polls.

UDA Chairperson Cecily Mbarire also claimed voter bribery in areas including Kanyuambora and Ishiara, urging the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to take action.

Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku supported these claims, condemning the attacks and reporting that one person had undergone knee surgery at Embu Level 5 Hospital following clashes.

Opposition accuses government interference

The opposition dismissed these claims, accusing the government of attempting to rig the election through ballot stuffing.

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, and DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua held a joint press briefing on Wednesday, November 26, claiming that pre-marked ballots had been sent to Mbeere North, Malava, and Magarini. Kalonzo said 15,000 pre-marked ballots went to Mbeere North alone, with 10,000 destined for Malava.

Gachagua warned that the IEBC might be compromised, instructing opposition agents to frisk individuals before voting to prevent interference. The opposition also asked the IEBC to restrict access to tallying centres, citing previous cases of intimidation during counting.

Security was increased ahead of the by-elections. The National Police Service warned politicians against interference and strengthened security in all 24 polling areas. IEBC Chairperson Ethokon Edong reminded candidates and agents to follow access rules strictly.

Tension in Malava also rose on Thursday. DAP-K accused the government of backing attacks and voter bribery aimed at influencing the constituency’s by-election. The party demanded that UDA candidate David Ndakwa be disqualified, citing coordinated intimidation and violence.

DAP-K candidate Seth Panyako said goons linked to Ndakwa stormed the hotel where he was staying before police intervened. Eugene Wamalwa said the police acted in coordination with the attackers. He claimed vehicles with doctored number plates were used to threaten citizens and bribe voters.