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Gachagua to Ruto: We shall beat you hands down in Mbeere North by-election
What you need to know:
- Gachagua said no amount of intimidation would deter him from campaigning for a joint opposition candidate.
- The UDA wants Mr Gachagua barred from campaigning in the area, since his DCP party has no candidate.
Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua has vowed to humiliate President William Ruto and his allies in Mbeere North Constituency in the November 27 by-election, even as he alleged plans by the State to rig the polls in favour of the UDA candidate.
Addressing a roadside rally at Kanyuambora and Ichiara shopping centres in Embu County on Sunday, the former deputy president swore to camp in the area until the Democratic Party (DP) candidate, Mr Newton Kariuki, wins the by-election.
He stressed that no amount of intimidation would deter him from campaigning for a joint opposition candidate.
On Saturday, UDA chair Ms Cecily Mbarire claimed that Mr Gachagua had planned violence during his rallies with the intention to blame it on the ruling party.
The UDA also demanded that Mr Gachagua be barred from campaigning in the area, arguing that the DCP has no candidate and that he had not signed a code of conduct with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua campaigns for Mbeere North parliamentary candidate Newton Kariuki at Kanyuambora Trading Centre on November 16, 2025.
Speaking at Ishiara Police Station on Saturday, the UDA chairperson, Cecily Mbarire, told the IEBC to step in and ensure that Gachagua does not conduct his campaign activities in the area.
She said UDA would be seeking the disqualification of DP candidate Newton Kariuki should Gachagua campaign for him.
However, Mr Gachagua said he would continue campaigning for the DP candidate, saying the opposition would win the seat.
Plot to rig the election
“I have come here to close all the hotels of Dr Ruto and ensure that his United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate doesn’t get this parliamentary seat,” he said, referring to what he said was a scheme to buy votes from the electorate.
Accompanied by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, former National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi and former Embu Senator Lenny Kivuti, the former deputy president told Dr Ruto to brace for a tough political duel.
“We shall show Ruto and his allies dust; we shall defeat him hands down,” he declared, adding that the Mbeere North parliamentary by-election will be a political battle between President Ruto and the people of the Mt Kenya region.
He alleged a plot to rig the election in favour of the UDA candidate and told voters to be alert.
Mr Wamalwa hit out at President Ruto, saying he has failed Kenyans and that he must go home.
Mr Muturi accused Dr Ruto and his allies of attempts to impose an unpopular leader on the Mbeere North people.
Mr Kalonzo said the Mbeere North people will be respected nationally should the government candidate fail to capture the parliamentary seat.
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