Leonard Wa Muthende Edges Out Newton Kariuki in a Tight Race to Win Mbeere North Parliamentary Seat
I will prioritise bursaries, finish the projects already started, and roll out new ones to uplift our community,” said Wa Muthende during his acceptance speech.
UDA's Leonard Muriuki wa Muthende with his certificate after winning the Mbeere North by-election. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
Jubilations broke out at the Siakago Tallying Centre early Friday morning after the IEBC officially declared Leonard Muriuki wa Muthende of UDA as the newly elected Member of Parliament for Mbeere North. The announcement brought to an end several hours of anxious waiting, with the constituency witnessing one of the most competitive races it has seen in recent years.
Shortly after the declaration, senior UDA leaders thronged the centre to congratulate Wa Muthende and celebrate the win with supporters. Those who attended the event included Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki, Public Service and Human Capital Development Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire. Their presence underscored the significance of the win for the ruling party and signalled confidence in Wa Muthende’s leadership.
In the final results announced by the IEBC, Wa Muthende won by 15,802 votes, a thin edge ahead of his Democratic Party opponent Newton Kariuki Ndwiga, who garnered 15,308 votes. The closely watched contest had a razor-thin margin of less than 500 votes between the top two candidates, and tension was high during the tallying process, as party agents, supporters, and observers followed every single update from across the constituency.
The MP-elect thanked the people of Mbeere North for entrusting him with the leadership. He said he would serve all the residents irrespective of their political stand and affiliations, pegging unity as his major pillar of leadership. Wa Muthende promised to address long-standing issues that have faced the constituency for a long time, including the poor state of water supply, increasing youth unemployment, and bad road networks that have retarded development in the constituency for many years.
He further assured his people that he would work with both national and county governments to ensure an increase in the pace of development, while completing those projects that were already ongoing. “I thank the IEBC for conducting a credible election. I want to assure everyone that I will serve all of you, whether you voted for me or not. I will prioritise bursaries, finish the projects already started, and roll out new ones to uplift our community,” said Wa Muthende during his acceptance speech.
According to IEBC officials, the by-election went well, though different camps had raised minor concerns throughout the day. They affirmed that the process was done within legal guidelines and was transparent, thus giving credence to the outcome. Wa Muthende’s victory now ushers in a new era for Mbeere North, whose residents look forward to promises fulfilled, inclusive leadership, and accelerated development from their newly elected MP.
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