Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has explained his involvement in the Mbeere North parliamentary by-election campaigns.
In an interview on Monday, November 10, the CS said he was actively participating in the campaigns because he understands the needs of the people and wants to ensure that their interests are well represented in Parliament.
“I am very interested in the Mbeere North by-election because the people of Mbeere North and the entire area know what we need. I have been engaged in the campaigns. The law allows CS and CECs to involve themselves in politics,” he stated.
Ruku further declared his full support for UDA Party candidate, Leo wa Muthende, whom he described as the preferred choice of the Mbeere North residents.
He dismissed rival contenders, saying they lack the connection and understanding of local priorities.
“The people of Mbeere North have already made a decision that the candidate we are going to vote for as the next MP is Leo wa Muthende.
“We don’t want empty wards; we don’t want people who are coming to abuse others within the region. We don’t want those who are coming with the narrative that Kenya is a country of shares,” he added.
Muthende will be facing Democratic Party (DP) candidate Newton Kariuki in the by-elections scheduled for November 27.
On Wednesday, September 10, Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) announced that it will not field a candidate in the by-election.
In a statement, DCP Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua said the party has opted to support Kariuki, explainimg that the decision was guided by fairness and respect for political partners under the United Opposition pact.
Gachagua noted that the Mbeere North seat had previously been held by a DP member and should rightfully remain with the party.
“In the spirit of collaboration and fairness under the united opposition and our resolve to unity ahead of the 2027 general elections, DCP shall support the Democratic Party (DP) in Mbeere North Constituency, acknowledging that the seat was previously held by DP and should rightfully be retained with our full support,” the statement read.
Days later, on Friday, September 12, Jubilee Party denied fronting or issuing nomination papers for any Mbeere North Parliamentary by-election candidate.
The party Deputy Organizing Secretary Pauline Njoroge moved to clarify the party’s official position amid confusion over whether Jubilee had fielded a candidate for the upcoming parliamentary contest.
Njoroge emphasized that the party’s National Executive Council, under the leadership of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, had not decided to participate directly in the by-election race.
“As the Deputy Organizing Secretary of the Jubilee Party, I wish to set the record straight. The National Executive Council (NEC), which H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta chairs, has not issued nomination papers to any aspirant for the Mbeere North parliamentary by-election,” she stated.
Njoroge stated the party’s stance, assuring the public that Jubilee would support the candidate fronted by the extended opposition.
“The Jubilee Party will not be fielding a candidate in this race. Instead, we will stand firmly behind the joint opposition candidate. Take this to the bank, and treat all other claims as pure hearsay,” she affirmed.
