The Democratic Party aspirant for Mbeere North minipoll Newton Karish has revealed why he often attacks Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire during his campaign trail.

Speaking during the Mbeere North aspirants debate on Sunday, November 24, 2025, on one of the local TV stations, Karish said Mbarire getting stray bullets was normal in politics and should be expected.

Also Watch: Gachagua Hits the Ground Running for Newton Karish in Mbeere North.

Karish bashes Mbarire

He insisted that the governor placed herself in the political firing line by openly backing his rival, arguing that no leader actively campaigning would escape sharp criticism and confrontational rhetoric on the ground.

“The governor is being mentioned because she is supporting our competitor; if you support my opponent, you will find yourself fighting that person,” Karish has said, explaining his aggressive campaign posture.

He went further to defend his approach, claiming the contest had shifted from issue-based engagement to harsh exchanges driven by alliances and political loyalty.

“Even if you support my opponent, I will fight you. We told them to step aside as we compete with their candidate, but they refused,” Karish said during the heated debate.

The aspiring MP also accused his opponents of avoiding meaningful discourse, stating that campaigns had been reduced to name-calling and character assassinations instead of clear policy discussions and manifesto presentation.

“We know her record as governor, so nothing he can tell us about her leadership or performance,” Karish has posted, criticising what he described as selective praise for Mbarire by rival teams.

Mbarire fires up

In response, Governor Cecily Mbarire maintained her position and defended her involvement in the rally, saying development and loyalty to the government should not be weaponised against her.

“If supporting the government and delivering development makes us traitors, then so be it because we are not going anywhere,” Mbarire has said.

She pointed to visible projects across the county as proof of her leadership and commitment to the people of Embu.

“The people can see the results for themselves,” Mbarire has told, referencing initiatives such as the Ishiara Market as evidence of progress.

The exchange has intensified political tension in Mbeere North, with residents now divided between calls for issue-driven campaigns.