- Hon. Duncan Mbui announces independent bid despite being a frontrunner in Gachagua’s party.
- The party backs Newton Karish, a musician-turned-politician supported by Justin Muturi.
- Rift emerges in opposition coalition as Hon. Mukunji endorses Mbui.
- Analysts suggest UDA may be fueling the division to weaken opposition in Embu.
- Mbui’s grassroots strength in Evurore Ward gives him a numerical advantage.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s new party is grappling with its first major test after Hon. Duncan Mbui, a strong contender in the Mbeere North parliamentary by-election, declared he would vie as an independent candidate.
The announcement followed reports that the party had ceded the seat to back Newton Karish, a Democratic Party candidate fronted by former Attorney General Justin Muturi.
Karish, popularly known in Embu for his hit song Muthoni Kifagio, had initially expressed interest in the Senate race before shifting to the constituency contest.
The decision has sparked sharp divisions within the opposition coalition. DCP’s chief mobiliser, Hon. Mukunji, broke ranks and publicly pledged support for Mbui instead.
Analysts warn the fallout could weaken the United Opposition’s efforts to cement its influence in Embu, a region seen as key to testing the Democratic Citizens Party’s (DCP) political weight ahead of 2027.
Some political observers believe UDA may be indirectly exploiting the cracks. Two weeks ago, Mukunji’s attempt to rally support for Mbui was disrupted by goons and a heavy police presence, forcing the event to be abandoned.
Mbui’s candidacy carries significant weight. As Evurore Ward MCA, he commands strong grassroots support in the most populous ward of Mbeere North, home to over 28,000 registered voters.
By comparison, Nthawa has about 18,000 voters, while Muminji has just over 9,000 voters, which gives Mbui a clear numerical advantage.
Mbui’s political journey has been defined by resilience. In the 2022 general election, he sought the UDA ticket but controversially lost to Albert Kigoro, a close relative of Embu County Assembly Speaker Josiah Thiriku, who enjoyed backing from Justin Muturi. Allegations of irregularities marred the primaries.
Undeterred, Mbui contested as an independent. Against Kigoro (UDA), Michael Ithaga (Mbus Party), and Duncan Mukangu (Jubilee), Mbui posted a strong showing, sweeping Evurore Ward with more than 8,000 votes, nearly double Kigoro’s 3,800. Ithaga, despite support from former senator Lenny Kivuti, managed only 800.
The split between Karish and Mbui has exposed cracks within the opposition coalition. For Gachagua’s new party, the Mbeere North by-election has become a test of unity, discipline, and whether the movement can withstand early signs of factionalism.
