Ruku Challenges Gachagua Into Another Mbeere North Ward Showdown
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has declared that by-elections for Muminji and Evurore wards in Mbeere North will take place on February 26, 2026.
This statement sets the stage for another high-stakes political clash in Embu County, with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku vying for power.
Former County Assembly Members Newton Kariuki and Duncan Mbui withdrew to run for Mbeere North’s parliamentary seat, leaving the two ward seats vacant.
Both candidates, however, lost the election to Leo Wa Muthende of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Ruku and Gachagua camps square off ahead of Mbeere North ward by-elections.
— Mambo Mseto X (@MamboMseto254) December 21, 2025
Fresh by-elections are set to take place in Mbeere North after the electoral commission confirmed the voting date for two vacant ward seats.
Residents of Muminji and Evurore wards will go to the polls… pic.twitter.com/2vcv6x8GEZ
Ruku backed Wa Muthende, but Gachagua supported his primary opponent, Newton Kariuki of the Democratic Party (DP).
The IEBC announcement has swiftly raised political tensions, with Ruku daring Gachagua to field candidates through his party in the next by-elections.
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Speaking at Rwika during the Mbeere cultural festival, Ruku expressed optimism that the UDA would win both ward seats, claiming that Gachagua’s political clout in the Mt. Kenya region is dwindling.
Ruku also accused the former deputy president of interfering with recent by-elections, claiming that hired goons were deployed to disrupt the voting process—claims that Gachagua’s friends have previously refuted.
With the campaign season officially beginning, the February by-elections are set to be a major political litmus test.
This will offer early signals of shifting political loyalties and party strength in the region ahead of future contests.
Ruku Challenges Gachagua Into Another Mbeere North Ward Showdown
