John Methu Outlines DCP's Only Chance to Prove Its Might against William Ruto
- Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua's side is keen on clinching the Mbeere North MP seat as a gauge of their political undertakings since breaking away from President William Ruto
- The seat fell vacant following the nomination of sitting MP Geoffrey Ruku into the Cabinet as the Public Service CS
- Gachagua's DCP party has already identified a candidate, with all focus on taking it as their first political test
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A political showdown is expected in Mbeere North Constituency, which is set to hold a by-election following the nomination of its sitting MP to a Cabinet position.
Source: Twitter
Earlier in the year, President William Ruto nominated Geoffrey Ruku to serve as Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, replacing Justin Muturi, who also hails from Mbeere North.
Ruku won the parliamentary seat in 2022 under the Democratic Party (DP), a party led by Muturi.
The oncoming by-election will set the stage for a high-stakes contest involving Ruto and his former deputy Rigathi Gachagua's side.
Why Mbeere North by-election is important to Ruto, Gachagua
It will be a litmus test for Gachagua, who has consistently claimed strong influence across the Mt Kenya region.
It will also present Ruto with a chance to reaffirm his political grip in the area, especially after facing backlash from factions displeased with Gachagua’s impeachment last October.
Despite signs of waning support in Mt Kenya, Ruto continues to enjoy backing from certain local leaders, including Ruku, who, prior to his Cabinet nomination, was a vocal defender of the administration and a loyal ally of the president and Governor Cecily Mbarire.
Nyandarua senator John Methu called on the Mbeere North constituents to use the chance to prove Gachagua's political might in Mt Kenya.
DCP clinching the Mbeere North MP seat will be an indicator of Gachagua's dominance of Mt Kenya and the waning of Ruto's influence.
"Many Kenyans now want to have the chance that the Mbeere North people currently have. We wanted a lesson to teach William Ruto a lesson, because he has disappointed all of us. I hear his vote is in 2027, but Mbeere North have the by-election. You should teach him a lesson," the senator said.
DCP has settled on Duncan Mbui as its candidate for the Mbeere North seat.
When will by-elections be held?
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) officially scheduled November 27 as the date for by-elections in 24 locations across Kenya.
These elections aim to fill vacant seats left by leaders who either passed away or resigned to take up roles in the executive.
Some areas have been without representation for over two years since the 2022 elections.
As per the gazette notice published on August 9 by IEBC chairman Erastus Ethekon, a total of 17 wards in 14 counties are set to participate in the upcoming mini polls.
Source: Twitter
Which areas will by-elections be held in?
They are; Angata Nanyokie in Samburu County, Chemundu/Kapng’etuny in Nandi County, Chewani in Tana River County, Fafi in Garissa County, Kariobangi North in Nairobi City County, Kisa East in Kakamega County, Metkei in Elgeyo Marakwet County, Mumbuni North in Machakos County, Narok Town in Narok County, Purko in Kajiado County, and Tembelio in Uasin Gishu County.
Nyamira County will see by-elections in Nyansiongo, Nyamaiya, and Ekerenyo wards, while Turkana County will hold votes in Lake Zone and Nanaam wards, and Bungoma County in Chwele ward.
In addition to the ward-level contests, by-elections will also take place in six parliamentary constituencies.
Besides Mbeere North, others are Banissa, Kasipul, Magarini, Malava, and Ugunja, as well as for the senatorial seat in Baringo County.
The upcoming by-elections serve as a strategic rehearsal for the IEBC as it gears up to oversee the 2027 General Election.
The Ethekon-led team was sworn in on July 11, bringing the IEBC back to operations after years of being non-quorate.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
