In a show of unity and political muscle, former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi, alongside Devolution Empowerment Party chair Lenny Kivuti, officially unveiled the Democratic Party’s (DP) candidate for the upcoming Mbeere North by-election.

In a statement posted on his official X account on Sunday evening, June 15, 2025, Muturi said that during the Kanyuombora Grounds, Newton Kariuki, better known as Newton Karish, was endorsed as DP’s flag bearer for the upcoming by-election.

Muturi emphasised Karish’s rich record of service in Mumenji Ward, highlighting his deep roots in the community.

“After a spirit-filled service at ACK St John’s Kanyuombora this morning, we proceeded to Kanyuombora Grounds for a momentous occasion. Together with Hon. Lenny Kivuti and a host of other leaders, I was proud to unveil Hon. Newton Kariuki (popularly known as Newton Karish) as the Democratic Party’s official candidate for the upcoming Mbeere North by-election,” Muturi announced.

“Karish is no stranger to service; his leadership in Mumenje speaks for itself. Karish is a dedicated son of Mbeere, grounded in our values and committed to championing the aspirations of our people.”

The former CS, in addition, stated that the road ahead was clear and that it was essential for everyone to unite, organise, and provide leadership reflective of the people’s will.

He affirmed that the Democratic Party was prepared and that Mbeere North was on the rise.

“The journey ahead is clear: we must unite, organise, and deliver leadership that truly reflects the will of the people. The Democratic Party is ready, and Mbeere North is rising,” he added.

Mbeere North by-election

The parliamentary seat for Mbeere North became vacant following Geoffrey Ruku’s appointment as Cabinet Secretary for Public Service by President William Ruto.

Several candidates have shown interest in vying for the position, however, campaigns for the by-election have yet to officially begin.

After a spirit-filled service at ACK St. John’s Kanyuombora this morning, we proceeded to Kanyuombora Grounds for a momentous occasion.

Together with Hon. Lenny Kivuti and a host of other leaders, I was proud to unveil Hon. Newton Kariuki (popularly known as Newton Karish) as… pic.twitter.com/9mJyLy561w

— Hon. Justin Muturi, EGH (@HonJBMuturi) June 15, 2025

Muturi’s comeback

This comes days after he was reinstated as the Democratic Party of Kenya (DP) leader, months after exiting the government.

In a statement on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, Muturi revealed that the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) had unanimously agreed to reinstate him with immediate effect.

Muturi says the reinstatement is not just a personal honour but a call to action to rebuild, re-energise, and reposition the party for the future.

“A new chapter begins for the Democratic Party. I sincerely thank the members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) for their confidence in me and their unanimous resolution to reinstate me as the Party Leader with immediate effect, subject to ratification by the National Delegates Convention (NDC) later this year. This decision is not just a personal honour; it is a call to action as we work together to rebuild, re-energise, and reposition our party for the future,” Muturi stated.

Muturi officially resigned as DP’s party leader in October 2022 to take up the role of Attorney General after entering into a coalition agreement in April 2022 with President William Ruto.

DP, a party formed by former President the late Mwai Kibaki, however, severed ties with the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition in March 2025 following a strained relationship between Muturi and Ruto.

A new chapter begins for the Democratic Party. I sincerely thank the members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) for their confidence in me and their unanimous resolution to reinstate me as the Party Leader with immediate effect, subject to ratification by the National… pic.twitter.com/UoORBjmEy4

— Hon. Justin Muturi, EGH (@HonJBMuturi) June 10, 2025