Ruku challenges Gachagua to another showdown in Mbeere North ward elections

This declaration sets the stage for another high-stakes political showdown in Embu County, where former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku seek dominance. 

The two ward seats fell vacant after former Members of County Assembly Newton Kariuki and Duncan Mbui resigned to contest the Mbeere North parliamentary seat. Both candidates, however, lost the race to Leo Wa Muthende of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

While Wa Muthende was backed by Ruku, his main opponent, Newton Kariuki, who belonged to the Democratic Party (DP), was supported by Gachagua. 

The IEBC announcement has quickly ignited political temperatures, with Ruku daring Gachagua to field candidates through his party in the upcoming by-elections.

Speaking in Rwika during the Mbeere cultural festival, Ruku expressed confidence that UDA will clinch both ward seats, claiming that Gachagua’s political influence in the Mt. Kenya region is steadily waning.

Ruku further accused the former deputy president of meddling in recent by-elections, alleging that hired goons were used to disrupt the electoral process—claims that Gachagua’s allies have previously denied.

With the campaign season now officially underway, the February by-elections are expected to serve as a key political litmus test, offering early signals of shifting political loyalties and party strength in the region ahead of future contests.