Mbeere elders endorse pro-government candidate for by-election

The Mbeere elders have resolved to support a pro-government leader in the upcoming by-election for the Mbeere North parliamentary seat, marking a decisive endorsement of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and its development agenda.

In a grand assembly held at Siakago Girls’ Grounds in Mbeere North, Embu County, over 5,600 elders from across the constituency gathered under the banner of the “5600 Elders Baraza” to chart the region’s political and development direction. The elders, speaking with one voice, pledged their full backing to the ruling party and expressed their intention to mobilize the community in favor of a UDA candidate.

Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki, who graced the event, welcomed the elders’ unity and commitment, assuring them that the government would not interfere with the by-election.

He emphasized the administration’s respect for democratic processes, adding that residents would be free to elect a leader of their choice without coercion. At the same time, he called on the Mbeere people to rally behind the UDA candidate, pointing out that continued support for the government would ensure accelerated development in the region.

The Deputy President announced the resumption of several stalled infrastructure projects, attributing the delays to previous budget constraints. Among the key developments highlighted were the tarmacking of the Kanyuambora–Kamumu–Kageri road, expansion of the Kanyuambora and Kamata irrigation schemes, rural electrification efforts, and the planned upgrade of the Gikuyari–Kirie–Ishiara road to bitumen standards. Prof. Kindiki assured residents that the government had secured the necessary funds and pledged to see all projects completed by 2027.

The by-election was necessitated by the appointment of the area’s former Member of Parliament, Geoffrey Ruku, as Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes. His elevation to the Cabinet has been received with great pride by the Mbeere community, who see it as a continuation of their representation at the national level.

In a formal press statement issued by the Mbeere Community Council of Elders and read by Ng’ome Council official Ben Kanyenji, the elders expressed profound gratitude to President William Ruto and Deputy President Kindiki for entrusting Ruku with a senior government position. They hailed the appointment as a major milestone for the Mbeere, a numerically small but professionally rich community that often finds itself marginalized in national politics. The statement reaffirmed the elders’ commitment to the government’s development goals and pledged to deliver victory for a government-aligned candidate in the upcoming polls.

“I will camp in Mbeere until UDA wins,” declared Prof. Kindiki, affirming his personal commitment to the campaign. “The government has returned a Cabinet position to this region. The people of Mbeere should reciprocate by voting for a government-backed candidate. Don’t let me down.”

So far, eight aspirants have declared interest in the UDA ticket. The Deputy President assured that the party would conduct transparent nominations and encouraged all contenders to unite behind the eventual winner. He added that those who do not secure the ticket will still be considered for government appointments, emphasizing inclusivity and party unity.

Cabinet Secretary Ruku, who accompanied the Deputy President, echoed the elders’ sentiments and reiterated the administration’s commitment to fast-tracking development projects in the area. He noted that the unity of the elders reflects the wider community’s determination to remain aligned with the government’s national development blueprint.

The by-election date is yet to be announced by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), but the political groundwork in Mbeere North has clearly begun, with the community’s elders taking center stage in shaping the constituency’s political future.