Mbeere North MP-Elect Wamuthende
Lawyer Wahome Thuku has reacted to the outcome of the Mbeere North by-election, where UDA candidate Leonard Wamuthende secured victory over Newton Karish, the candidate backed by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The mini-poll, held in Embu County on Thursday, drew national attention due to the contest between factions within the ruling coalition.
In a statement shared on X, Thuku said the results demonstrated a clear political shift in Embu County and challenged long-held perceptions about the region’s voting behaviour.
He referenced past political events in the county, noting that Embu had previously appeared divided in its support for national leaders.
According to him, the by-election outcome pointed to a consolidation of support around the UDA candidate.
Thuku recalled moments from the last election cycle, including public exchanges involving senior political figures, to illustrate what he described as a changing political mood.
He argued that the turnout and final tally showed that residents were not influenced by claims that some candidates were planted to split votes.
He dismissed suggestions that former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria’s preferred candidate was a decoy, stating that the votes cast reflected genuine preferences of the electorate.
The lawyer also suggested that the Mbeere North result carries broader implications for Mt Kenya politics ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In his view, the dynamics witnessed in Embu could signal the direction the larger region might take, especially given its influence on national electoral outcomes.
He said discussions within Mt Kenya already point to a “weak point” that could shape how the region votes in future polls.