Former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi has accused President William Ruto of betraying the trust of leaders from Mountain Kenya, warning that the upcoming Mbeere North by-election will show that the region is no longer his stronghold.
Speaking during a united opposition campaign on Monday, November 17, 2025, Linturi said the president’s influence in the area has waned and that voters will demonstrate this at the ballot box.
He argued that Ruto’s previous popularity was largely due to politicians who have now defected to the opposition.
“We are the ones who pushed Ruto and made him popular. He did not command any influence in this region. We pushed him to get the support of the people of Mbeere, but he has opted to pay us with disrespect,” Linturi stated.
“He has to know this mountain has its owners; if he does not believe, let him wait for the results in November 2027. The elections are a rehearsal to take home,” he added.
Gachagua Targets Ruto-Mbarire Candidate
Linturi’s comments followed remarks by Rigathi Gachagua, who framed the upcoming by-election as a clash between a Ruto-Mbarire-backed candidate and the people of Mbeere North.
Speaking in Mbeere on Sunday, November 16, 2025, Gachagua urged residents to resist attempts to push Ruto’s preferred candidate through proxies.
“The contest is between Kasongo and Mbarire on one side and the people of Mbeere on the other side. It is that simple!” he said.
“Their candidate (Muthende) is being fronted by them. He has no vote here in Mbeere, so I am wondering how they expect you to vote for him. How can people vote for someone who can’t even cast a vote for himself?” he added.
Mbarire Accused of Disrespect
Gachagua also criticized Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, claiming she has ignored Mbeere North residents for years while now trying to influence their vote.
“Mbarire should respect the people and desist from issuing intimidations. For three years, she has never set foot in Mbeere, only to bring them a candidate now. You dare say that. We don’t want to disrespect these people. They might be of low income, but nonetheless they deserve their dignity,” he stated.
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