Wamuthende Tells Gachagua: My Victory Was Fair and Transparent

Leonard Njeru Wamuthende, the newly elected Member of Parliament for Mbeere North, has pledged to lead with inclusivity and focus on development following his narrow victory in the recent by-election.

In his first public comments since being sworn in, Mr Wamuthende described the contest as a tough battle that tested his resolve. He attributed his success to a clear development agenda, government support, and disciplined campaigning, rejecting claims that financial incentives or clan loyalty played a role in his win.

The by-election, held on 27 November, was one of the closest in recent memory, with Mr Wamuthende securing 15,802 votes, narrowly defeating his opponent Newton Kariuki, who received 15,308 votes. With a voter turnout of 61.9 percent, the slim margin has led to legal challenges, as two voters have filed petitions at the Embu High Court alleging irregularities in the election process. 

Mr Wamuthende has welcomed the petitions, calling them part of the democratic process. Running on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket, Mr Wamuthende had the backing of senior government officials, including Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku. 

His opponent, Mr Kariuki, received support from the opposition, led by Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua. According to Mr Wamuthende, the opposition’s campaign focused on stoking resentment by framing the election as a referendum on Mt Kenya’s political standing, a tactic he dismissed as lacking substance.

In contrast, Mr Wamuthende’s campaign was centred on practical development goals. He promised to improve infrastructure, including expanding access to electricity, water, and roads, and emphasised the importance of equitable resource distribution. He also drew on his family’s local standing, using his father’s name, “Muthende,” to strengthen his connection with voters.

Mr Wamuthende rejected accusations that government resources were misused to influence the vote, particularly claims that Sh600 million was spent in the constituency. He attributed his victory to effective organisation and strategic communication, describing his campaign as being executed with "military precision." 

He also dismissed clan-based voting as outdated, vowing to serve all constituents impartially. Looking ahead, Mr Wamuthende has outlined ambitious plans for Mbeere North, including lobbying for 68 kilometres of tarmacked roads and ensuring transparent management of the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF). 

He aims to distribute bursaries fairly and ensure all resources are accounted for. His focus is on delivering visible improvements in the constituency before the 2027 general election.