Gachagua Steps Up Grassroots Push in Mbeere North By-Election

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has intensified his campaign efforts in the Mbeere North by-election, combining early-morning walks with direct voter outreach as he backs Democratic Congress Party (DCP) candidate Newton Karish.

Gachagua resumed his well-known dawn hikes this week, walking through mango farms in the constituency while meeting residents along the routes. He described the activity as both energising and politically useful, presenting it as a way to connect with voters while promoting Karish’s candidature. 

“What a beautiful morning! My morning walk through mango farms in Mbeere North has been nothing but an exhilarating, breathtaking experience,” he said.

Alongside the symbolic walks, Gachagua has launched a door-to-door campaign, visiting households to seek support for Karish. He said the personal conversations have been positive, claiming that residents are rejecting alleged attempts at vote-buying. He added that he intends to remain in the constituency for nine days to maintain the pace of mobilisation.

Karish faces United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Leonard Wamuthende in a closely watched contest that has attracted significant political activity in Embu County. Gachagua has framed the race as an opportunity to affirm local independence, arguing that a win for Karish would help restore what he calls the dignity of the Embu community.

Tensions have increased in recent days, with Gachagua accusing government officials of using intimidation and financial inducements to influence voters. Speaking at a church service in Kanyuambora on Sunday, he alleged that groups were being ferried in to disrupt opposition events and that cash was being distributed in villages to sway support. 
 

“A time will come when I will come and close those ‘hotels’; our people cannot be bought,” he said.