Mbeere North by-election Chama Cha Kazi (CCK) candidate Duncan Mbui has rejected allegations suggesting he is being sponsored by President William Ruto.
In an interview on Saturday, November 22, he argued that claims linking him to Ruto are part of a narrative being pushed by competitors seeking to cast doubt on his credibility ahead of the vote.
According to Mbui, his campaign has not engaged in any discussions that imply cooperation with the ruling party or the government.
"They are saying I am a project of President William Ruto, and since we began discussing my candidacy, there has never been any point where we talked about anything that could involve cooperation with any other party, the government, or any other person. Chama Cha Kazi (CCK) is just the same as if I were running as an independent candidate," he said.
Elsewhere, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has explained why he is paying special attention to the Mbeere North by-election compared to other areas.
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Speaking on Saturday, November 22, Gachagua said the government had intimidated Newton Kariuki’s supporters, and he was forced to intervene.
According to the DCP leader, the Mbeere North locals were fearing that the vote would be rigged, and saw no need to vote.
"I came to Mbeere because Karish’s supporters are very many, but they had been intimidated by the government and were feeling discouraged. Many of them were saying that in this election, the government would rig, so there was no need to vote.
"So, when I learned this, I knew I had to come to assure the people of Mbeere to go out and vote because we have put in place sufficient strategies to protect their votes," he said.
Gachagua also said he had intended to go to Malava to campaign for DAP-K’s Seth Panyako, but an elderly person advised him to focus on Mbeere North instead.
"I was supposed to go to Malava yesterday. I wanted to rush to Nairobi and take a plane to Kisumu, then go to Malava, but an old man from home called me, told me a proverb and hung up his phone.
"He interpreted that proverb to mean that one should not leave home to chase opportunities elsewhere, take care of matters at home first," he added.
Weeks earlier, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku had 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.
