A political storm is brewing in Embu County as the race for the Mbeere North parliamentary seat officially begins. The seat fell vacant following Geoffrey Ruku’s appointment as Cabinet Secretary for Public Service by President William Ruto. Now, with several parties eyeing the constituency, the Democratic Party (DP) has made its move.
Former Speaker of the National Assembly and ex-Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi, in collaboration with Devolution Empowerment Party (DEP) chair Lenny Kivuti, unveiled Newton Kariuki popularly known as Newton Karish as the DP’s flag bearer. The endorsement was made public during a rally held at Kanyuombora Grounds on Sunday, June 15.
Muturi, posting on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, highlighted Karish’s deep connection to the region, citing his track record of leadership and service in Mumenji Ward. “Karish is no stranger to service; his leadership in Mumenji speaks for itself. He is a dedicated son of Mbeere, grounded in our values and committed to championing the aspirations of our people,” Muturi stated.
The DP’s unveiling ceremony followed a church service at ACK St John’s Kanyuombora, marking a blend of spiritual commitment and political mobilisation. Muturi emphasised the importance of unity and strong grassroots organisation, calling on residents to rally behind a candidate who embodies the will of the people.
“The journey ahead is clear: we must unite, organise, and deliver leadership that truly reflects the will of the people. The Democratic Party is ready, and Mbeere North is rising,” Muturi declared.
Although the official date of the by-election has not yet been announced, it is expected shortly after the swearing-in of new IEBC commissioners. Already, several aspirants have expressed interest in contesting, signalling a heated campaign season ahead.
With Karish’s entry into the race, the contest is set to test the strength of local political alignments and the influence of key players such as Muturi and Kivuti in shaping Embu County’s next chapter.
