Tension is rising in Mbeere North as the constituency prepares for its by-election on November 27.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has raised serious concerns, saying the government is using money and state power to influence how people vote.
Gachagua spoke on Sunday during a church service at A.C.K. St. Stephen’s Karangare in Ishiara. He claimed that government officials were pouring huge sums of money into the campaign of UDA candidate Leonard “Leo” Muriuki, popularly known as Leo wa Muthende.
Gachagua spoke on Sunday during a church service at A.C.K. St. Stephen’s Karangare in Ishiara. He claimed that government officials were pouring huge sums of money into the campaign of UDA candidate Leonard “Leo” Muriuki, popularly known as Leo wa Muthende.
Muriuki is competing against Newton Kariuki, widely referred to as Newton Karish, who is running on a Democratic Party ticket.
According to Gachagua, close to Ksh600 million is being used to sway voters in the constituency. He argued that the money being handed out is not private campaign funding but public funds being misused for political advantage.
According to Gachagua, close to Ksh600 million is being used to sway voters in the constituency. He argued that the money being handed out is not private campaign funding but public funds being misused for political advantage.
He urged residents to accept any money offered to them but still vote according to their true choice.
He told the crowd that the amount of money allegedly circulating in the area was enough to improve essential services, such as connecting every home in Mbeere North to electricity.
He told the crowd that the amount of money allegedly circulating in the area was enough to improve essential services, such as connecting every home in Mbeere North to electricity.
Gachagua insisted that voters should not allow financial promises to determine their decisions.
The former Deputy President also assured supporters that they would guard the voting process closely. He promised that the opposition team would monitor all stages of voting to ensure fairness and transparency.
The former Deputy President also assured supporters that they would guard the voting process closely. He promised that the opposition team would monitor all stages of voting to ensure fairness and transparency.
“Do not be afraid,” he said.
“Your vote will count. We will be alert.”
Gachagua further encouraged locals to rally behind Karish, saying he is the candidate who truly represents the community’s interests.
Gachagua further encouraged locals to rally behind Karish, saying he is the candidate who truly represents the community’s interests.
He urged residents to resist efforts to push what he described as a “government-sponsored candidate” onto the people.
He went on to warn that troublemakers might be brought into the constituency to disrupt the by-election.
He went on to warn that troublemakers might be brought into the constituency to disrupt the by-election.
According to him, intelligence reports suggest that outsiders could be used to create chaos and intimidate voters. Gachagua called on those planning the by-election to avoid actions that may cause tension or conflict.
He appealed for a peaceful, fair, and transparent vote, and asked leaders to respect the will of the people of Mbeere North.
He appealed for a peaceful, fair, and transparent vote, and asked leaders to respect the will of the people of Mbeere North.
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