Muturi, Mukunji accuse gov't allies of intimidation ahead of Mbeere North By-Election

Speaking during a campaign stop in Ishiara, Democratic Party (DP) leader Justin Muturi and Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji claimed there is a coordinated effort to intimidate supporters of DP candidate Newton Karish, who is backed by the opposition coalition. 

They accused government-aligned actors of attempting to tilt the race in favour of UDA candidate Leonard Muthende.

Muturi cautioned alleged groups being mobilized into the constituency, saying, “Watu wa UDA tunawataka kuwaonya hao vijana mmetoa huko Kikuyu wakuje kuvuruga hapa Ishiara, Kanyuambora na Siakago. Tuko macho na tunawamulika.”

He added that the intention was to suppress voter turnout in areas perceived to be Karish’s strongholds. “Wanataka kuhakikisha hapa Ishiara, ambapo ni ngome ya Karish, watu hawatapiga kura. Tunawahakikishia kuwa tutakuwa hapa kulinda kura yetu.”

MP Mukunji echoed the concerns, alleging that there have already been attempts to harm opposition leaders. “Watu wanajaribu kuua na kudunga kisu viongozi wetu. Nilikuwa hapo na niliona,” he said, further warning residents to remain vigilant. “Mkiona Subaru huku ambayo haina number plates nawaomba mkae macho; hao ndiyo wanaharibu usalama wa huku.”

However, government representatives have dismissed the allegations as baseless. Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku—formerly the area MP—assured residents that security agencies are fully prepared to maintain order during the by-election.

“Tunataka kuwaambia kwamba hakuna mahali kutakuwa na vurugu. Usalama wa kutosha utatolewa na vikosi vyote vya usalama hapa Mbeere North,” Ruku said. He urged voters to turn out confidently on election day: “Tunaambia wananchi wote wa Mbeere North kuamka mapema na kupigia kiongozi wao kura bila uoga.”

The by-election campaigns are entering their final stretch amid heightened political activity.

Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua—now political rivals—have both intensified efforts on the ground as they rally support for their respective preferred candidates.