MBEERE NORTH BY-ELECTION: Unorthodox Campaign Tactics Used By UDA, Opposition
Political leaders on both sides of the divide have used unconventional and highly tactical techniques to swing votes in their favor as the campaign for the Mbeere North parliamentary seat heats up ahead of the November 27 by-election.
On Tuesday, November 18, both the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the opposition party led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua conducted aggressive campaign rallies in various wards in Mbeere North.
The Democratic Party’s Newton Kariuki (Karish) is backed by the opposition, while the ruling UDA wants Leonard Wamuthende Muriuki, their preferred candidate, to win a parliamentary seat.
DP Kithure Kindiki taking a cup of tea before UDA campaigns of Leo Wa Muthende in Mbeere North, Embu County pic.twitter.com/qu1tZZRqd8
— United Democratic Alliance, UDA. (@UDAKenya) November 18, 2025
On Tuesday, DP Kindiki sparked mixed emotions when he was spotted drinking tea at a small café in Karambari district in a well-planned attempt to connect with “the ground”.
The DP also organized a high-energy rally in support of Wamuthende.
A few kilometres away, Karis’ camp, led by DCP leader Gachagua, increased their voter turnout with campaigning at Riandu Market, Nthawa Ward.
Mazishi ya UDA. Tarehe 26 kaburi inachimbwa halafu maziko ni 27 – Riggy G in Mbeere North pic.twitter.com/kMqgTJzJuV
— PropesaTV (@PropesaTV) November 18, 2025
During his engagement, Gachagua launched a customary tirade against the ruling UDA, accusing Kindiki of using opposition tactics to garner votes.
A day earlier, Gachagua received praise for conducting a door-to-door campaign in Mbeere North and connecting with villagers on the route.
In terms of strategy, the opposition appears to be casting a wide net in order to entice voters in as many constituencies as possible that are holding by-elections simultaneously.
Kindiki amepigwa Wantam chants huko Mbeere North, after splashing millions pic.twitter.com/875MWIp6m4
— PropesaTV (@PropesaTV) November 17, 2025
This was demonstrated by the fact that while Gachagua was in Nthawa, his ally, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, traveled to Magarini Constituency in Kilifi to campaign for DCP candidate Stanley Karisa Kenga.
ALSO READ:
- Gov’t Announces Plans To Toll Main Western Region Link Highway
- IEBC Under Fire Over Illegal Voter Transfer, Registration Irregularities
- Gov’t Admits To Extreme Underfunding Of Kenya’s Basic Education
- CS Murkomen Breaks Silence After Links To Ksh20 Billion Runda Land Grab
- Fourth Band Of Kenyan Police Land At JKIA As MSS Mission Officially Ends
Interestingly, despite the Mbeere North vote being in the balance and campaigns between the two sides taking place concurrently, there have been few instances of disruption.
This is despite the fact that both the UDA and the DCP had traded allegations, saying that the other was planning to disrupt demonstrations and possibly the by-election.
The villagers in Mbeere North are awake and hardworking. They are hardworking and are looking forward to the 27th November 2025 vote for Newton Karish.
— Rigathi Gachagua (@rigathi) November 18, 2025
I am with the villagers every step of the way, one by one, home by home, village by village in a motif to liberate one nation,… pic.twitter.com/oy0ov5Z6UB
To the people of Kageeri Shopping Centre in Nthawa Ward, Mbeere North — I have heard you.
— Rigathi Gachagua (@rigathi) November 18, 2025
You have a date with destiny.
The misuse of public funds to fuel corruption and bribery must come to an end. Our resources must be used strictly for the purposes for which they were… pic.twitter.com/nrNPn6O0xX
The UDA camp has also intensified its presence in the region thanks to the influence of Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire – a known adversary of Gachagua – who has publicly endorsed Wamuthende.
The Mbeere North seat fell vacant after Geoffrey Ruku was appointed by President William Ruto to serve as Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes.
MBEERE NORTH BY-ELECTION: Unorthodox Campaign Tactics Used By UDA, Opposition
