By John Mutiso
Embu County is set for fresh by-elections following the resignation of two Members of the County Assembly (MCAs).
Speaker Josiah Thiriku on Wednesday, December 3, declared the Muminji and Evurore ward seats vacant after their former holders stepped down to pursue higher political office.
Former Muminji MCA Newton Kariuki, alias Karish, and former Evurore MCA Duncan Mbui tendered their resignations to vie for the Mbeere North Parliamentary seat.
Their exit triggered the constitutional requirement for a by-election in the affected wards, setting the stage for yer another heightened political activity in Embu.
The Mbeere North contest has already produced a winner, with UDA’s Leo Wamuthende clinching victory in the parliamentary by-election.
Wamuthende secured 15,802 votes, narrowly defeating Karish of the Democratic Party (DP), who garnered 15,308 votes.
Wamuthende thanked Mbeere North residents for electing him as their MP and reaffirmed his commitment to serving the residents of Mbeere North.
In a statement, he vowed to ensure fairness in the distribution of bursaries and development projects across Mbeere North.
“I want to thank the people of Mbeere North, whichever side you chose. I am now a member of the national assembly. I have made a commitment not only to those who elected me but to all residents of Mbeere North.
“I will be fair, I will discharge my duties without any discrimination; I will meet all my pledges, I will ensure fair distribution of bursaries, free secondary education for day schools and development,” he said.
Wamuthende also vowed to complete development projects that were started by his predecessor, Geoffrey Ruku.
“I am very committed to serving the people of Mbeere North and more so to ensure the steps made by the former member of parliament, whatever projects that are underway, I will complete and start others,” he added.
Wamuthende later stated that he is prepared to defend his win in court should his competitors move there.
A lawyer aligned to the United Opposition had hinted at the side challenging the UDA candidate’s win in court over alleged electoral malpractices.
Wamuthende said he was well-prepared to argue his case against his competition.
According to him, his win came despite the alleged goonism on the side of his opponent.
He promised to demonstrate the foregoing in court should his win be challenged, adding that he did not violate any electoral law.
“They want to go to court; my lawyer is very ready. In fact, I am the one who should go to court. I have evidence of them bringing violence during the by-election. There are no ground rules I violate. I am going to source all my evidence from the media. I am the one with the right to go to court,” he said.
