UDA’s Leonard Muriuki “Leo wa Muthende” has been declared the winner of the Mbeere North parliamentary by-election by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). Wamuthende beat DP’s Newton Karish in a hotly contested race.
According to provisional results, Wamuthende received 15,802 votes, beating Newton Kariuki, popularly known as Karish, who garnered 15,308.
The commission announced the outcome of the closely watched elections following a day marked by high voter turnout, calm polling, and heightened security across the constituency.
Polling stations closed at 5 pm on Thursday, November 27, with tallying kicking off before the provisional results declaring the winner were released early Friday morning.
Voters in Siakago, Kanyuambora, Kamavindi, and other polling centres turned out in steady numbers throughout the morning and afternoon, underscoring the significance of a race that has drawn national attention.
At Siakago Social Hall, one of the constituency’s busiest centres, long lines began forming before dawn as residents queued patiently under the guidance of polling clerks and security officers.
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Election officers reported smooth operations, with only minor delays at a handful of stations where presiding officers opened slightly behind schedule.
“Residents were seen queuing patiently, observing electoral procedures, as security and polling officials oversaw a smooth voting process,” the commission noted. “This by-election is closely watched as parties and candidates vie to fill the seat.”
The by-election followed the vacancy left by former Member of Parliament Geoffrey Ruku, who was appointed the Ministry of Public Service Cabinet Secretary in March 2025.
CS Ruku’s move to the Cabinet sparked a fierce contest for the seat, with political heavyweights, local elders, and rival parties investing heavily in the campaigns over the past month.
The race has largely been viewed as a two-way battle between UDA’s Leo wa Muthende and DP candidate Karish, though nine candidates were cleared to run.
Former National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi was among the prominent figures who turned out early to vote. He cast his ballot at Kanyuambora Primary School and took time to speak to journalists and residents immediately afterward.
Speaking at his polling station, Muturi dismissed concerns about political intimidation, saying, “No goons here, voting is proceeding peacefully and orderly.”
“I have this morning cast my vote at Kanyuambora Primary School, and I can confirm that the process is smooth, calm, and moving efficiently. Even with the heavy police presence meant to instill fear and discourage participation, the people of Mbeere remain unmoved,” he stated.
Muturi’s remarks echoed concerns raised by opposition figures over the past week about alleged attempts to intimidate residents. He urged voters to step out boldly and exercise their democratic right.
Justin Muturi kicks out MCA Kiruga Thuku from the polling center
Moments later, tensions briefly rose at Siakago Polling Centre when Chinga Ward Member of County Assembly Thuku Kiruga was removed from the station by Muturi for allegedly violating electoral regulations. Kiruga had arrived wearing bright yellow attire associated with the UDA party and was also accused of attempting to bribe voters.
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The MCA’s appearance in party colours drew immediate concern from presiding officers, as election rules require neutrality within polling stations. In response, Muturi condemned the conduct, calling it an attempt to influence voters at one of the constituency’s most sensitive voting centres.
“An MCA from Nyeri, Kiruga Thuku, travelled all the way to Siakago dressed in full UDA party colours right inside a polling centre, which is illegal. Election Day is not a campaign stage, and polling stations are not theatres for party branding,” Muturi said.
“So, I made it very clear — not here, not today — and he was removed from the station as required, because the rules of the land must be obeyed.”
According to officials, security officers acted after confirming the violation, and the MCA was escorted out to avoid influencing voters. Witnesses said Kiruga initially protested, arguing that the outfit was an accident and not intended to sway the electorate. However, polling officials insisted that the rules applied equally to all parties.
Kiruga was later permitted to return after changing into neutral clothing, and voting proceeded without further disruptions. Election officials urged all agents to respect polling-day regulations to prevent similar incidents as the by-election continued.
However, the day’s voting proceeded largely without incidents, with police maintaining a visible presence around polling centres to deter disruptions. The IEBC confirmed that voting began smoothly across most constituencies.
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