By John Mutiso
Former Attorney-General and Umoja na Haki Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi has intensified concerns ahead of the November 27, 2025, Mbeere North parliamentary by-election, formally accusing the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) of coordinating voter bribery, intimidation and attempts to interfere with the electoral process.
In a letter dated November 20, 2025, addressed to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman Erastus Edung Ethekon, Muturi protested the alleged schemes, claiming the groups are operating with the involvement of National Government Administration Officers and National Police Service personnel in civilian clothing.
He said that his party was privy to information involving a plot by the said goons to invade selected polling centres in the strongholds of the DP candidate to suppress and disrupt voting on November 27.
“We write to protest the planned use of armed goons from Nairobi and Thika, among other areas, in favour of the UDA candidate, with the involvement of National Government Administration officers under the escort and command of the National Police Service in civilian clothes,” he stated.
“We have information that there are already plans to invade selected polling centres in the strongholds of our candidate with the aim of suppressing and disrupting voting on polling day. These plans are given credence by the heavy presence of these imported goons identified within Kanyambuura, Ishihara and Siakago towns, as well as a squad of police officers from Nairobi whose motive is clearly mischievous.”
The DP leader further accused UDA and government-linked agents of engaging in widespread bribery ahead of the November 27 vote.
“We are witnessing massive voter bribery in the UDA/Government rallies and meetings presently, and their planned plot to have voters take photos of ticked ballot papers on election day to show in exchange of money,” Muturi wrote, terming the practice a direct violation of the principle of the secret ballot.
In light of the accusations, the former Attorney General called for immediate action, outlining three demands to the electoral body, among them a call for a free, fair, credible and verifiable election; putting in place of measures to redress the “evil and illegal machinations”; as well as updating of the party leadership on the measures taken.
He also wants the commission to ensure there is an updated voter register to avoid confusion over missing or misplaced names during the election.
The by-election has drawn heightened political interest, with UDA’s Leonard Wa Muthende facing opposition-backed Newton Kariuki (Karish), who is supported by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Muturi.
Gachagua has conducted door-to-door campaigns in Nthawa and Evurore wards, focusing on development and the marketing of muguka and miraa.
“The people of Mbeere North are clear and resolute about their priorities. They know exactly what they want, and nothing will distract them from the future they are determined to shape. We have a date with destiny,” he wrote on November 20.
Muturi expressed confidence in Kariuki, stating: “The intimidation has failed, the bribery has flopped, and the threats have only hardened the resolve of our people. Mbeere North is awake.”
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, campaigning for UDA, accused Gachagua’s team of attempting to collect identity cards in UDA strongholds to lower turnout.
