Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has dared former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to field a candidate from his party in Mbeere North if he believes his political strength is equal to that of President William Ruto.

Speaking during a meeting in Mbeere North to popularise the UDA candidate ahead of upcoming by-elections on Thursday, September 18, 2025, Ruku, a fierce critic of Gachagua, said the only way the former Deputy President can prove his political influence in Mt Kenya is by presenting a candidate in Mbeere North to rival UDA’s.

“Na ili ujue watu wa Mlima Kenya hawako na wewe, leta candidate wako wa chama yako ya DCP hapa ujue nani ako na nguvu. Tunakungojea,” Ruku said.

He went on to challenge Gachagua, who recently launched his presidential bid, to first test his political muscle in Mbeere North before traversing the country in search of votes, adding that the government side would easily defeat him.

“Kabla uwanie kiti ya urais, pima nguvu yako hapa Mbeere North. Utajua your right weight; utajua hauna nguvu yeyote. Tutapimana na wewe hapa Mbeere North, tukushinde, tukupeleke nyumbani asubuhi mapema,” he stated.

Ruku further warned Gachagua against equating himself to President Ruto, saying the Head of State will not personally campaign in Mbeere North for the UDA candidate, unlike Gachagua, who is actively drumming up support for his DCP, saying that for Ruto’s case he has left it to his foot soldiers like him to do the task.

“Hakuna siku utaona Rais William Ruto akija hapa kuombea mtu kura ambaye anasimama na chama cha UDA. Sisi ndio tuko hapa; tutamenyana na wewe kuhakikisha umeenda nyumbani,” he said.

Mbeere North race

This comes just days after DCP withdrew its candidate from the race following an agreement with the Democratic Party (DP), which enjoys significant support in the area. Ruku, who left the seat vacant after the cabinet appointment, had also been elected on a DP ticket.

In a show of unity within the opposition, the two parties resolved to rally behind one candidate, with DCP agreeing to support their sister party’s aspirant.

Following the agreement, the candidate who had been running on a DCP ticket defected to Moses Kuria’s Chama Cha Kazi party to continue with his ambitions in the race.