Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has broken his silence following allegations that he was deployed as a decoy to split votes in the recently concluded Mbeere North by-election.
In a statement on Friday, November 28, Kuria dismissed claims that his Chama Cha Kazi (CCK) party and its candidate Duncan Mbui were on a mission to divide opposition votes, pointing out several inconsistencies in the accusations.
The Mbeere North by-election held on Thursday, November 27, saw Leonard Muriuki Wamuthende of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) emerge victorious with 15,802 votes, narrowly defeating Newton Kariuki Ndwiga of the Democratic Party (DP), who secured 15,308 votes. Mbui, who was sponsored by CCK, garnered 2,480 votes.
Following the results, social media buzzed with allegations that Kuria had been sent to create confusion and divide voters, effectively splitting the opposition vote and handing victory to the ruling party's candidate.
"Did we have a deal with anyone that we failed to honour? Were we even approached by anyone for a deal and we declined?" he asked, denying any pre-arranged agreement to withdraw from the race.
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The former CS explained that CCK picked Mbui after he was dropped by the Democratic Congress Party (DCP), questioning why the opposition failed to unite its aspirants in the same way UDA had consolidated all candidates who lost to Wamuthende in the nominations.
Kuria also pointed out that besides the three main candidates, there were five other contenders in the race, asking rhetorically who had sent them to split votes.
Highlighting the imbalance in campaign support, Kuria noted he was the only leader from outside Mbeere who campaigned for Mbui, while Ndwiga's team boasted heavy hitters including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, George Natembeya, former Interior CS Fred Matiang'i, Martha Karua, and several others.
"How do I garner 2,480 votes when I am alone enough to spoil your votes?" he questioned.
Kuria further challenged the opposition's narrative by asking how they could allow UDA to secure over 15,000 votes in the Mt Kenya region and then blame someone with only 2,480 votes for their loss.
The by-election was marked by tension, with chaos erupting at Kanyuambora polling station when Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku was confronted and chased away by voters who accused him of being inside the station without authorization.
Video footage showed citizens booing and shouting at the CS, telling him the campaign period was over and demanding he leave.
