Mbeere North witnessed chaos on Thursday, November 20, as campaigning intensified ahead of the November 27 by-elections. Reports indicate that a group of residents stormed a shop in the shopping centre, looting merchandise in a scene captured on camera. Video footage seen by Kenyans.co.ke shows dozens of individuals in green campaign reflectors ransacking the shop before fleeing the scene.
While authorities have not confirmed if the looting was politically motivated, some of the looters were seen wearing campaign materials supporting one of the constituency’s leading candidates.
The by-election race in Mbeere North has drawn national attention, with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua leading high-profile campaigns. Kindiki spent the morning holding a People’s Forum in Kanyuambora, attracting hundreds of residents while drumming up support for United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Leonard Muthende. He was joined by former MP Geoffrey Ruku, whose cabinet appointment created the current vacancy.
Meanwhile, Gachagua engaged residents during his early morning walk in Nthawa ward, campaigning for Democratic Party (DP) candidate Newton Karish. He also visited Muguka Farms and the Mla Chake Muguka market, interacting with farmers and traders who depend on their crops for livelihoods.
The two candidates, Muthende and Karish, are the frontrunners in a highly contested by-election. With Kindiki backing Muthende and Gachagua supporting Karish, the campaigns have intensified into a two-horse race, marked by high energy rallies and close interactions with residents.
In recent days, both Kindiki and Gachagua have been spotted sharing breakfast tea with locals, further signaling efforts to connect with voters on a personal level. As the election date approaches, tensions and political fervor in Mbeere North continue to rise, making the coming days critical for both parties.
