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In what has been described as the most defining political duel ahead of the 2027 General Election, the Mt Kenya region witnessed a dramatic clash of influence between Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki during the Mbeere North by election.
The by elections held in Mbeere North and Malava constituencies were widely viewed as a mini referendum on President William Ruto’s political strength and the internal power shifts within the Kenya Kwanza administration.
In Malava, UDA’s David Ndakwa secured a razor thin victory after garnering 21,564 votes, edging out DAP-K candidate Seth Panyako, who trailed with 20,210 votes.
The Mbeere North contest proved even more breathtaking: Leonard Leo Wa Muthende (UDA) 15,802
Newton Karis (DCP) 15,308
The narrow victory immediately ignited political tremors across Mt Kenya.
For months, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has presented himself as the undisputed kingpin of Mt Kenya, boasting of a consolidated voting bloc firmly behind him.
But the Mbeere North outcome has cast doubt on that narrative.
Prof. Kindiki, who openly clashed with Gachagua during the campaigns, had boldly warned him to stop political intimidation, referring to the DP as “Goliath.”
“You Goliath, leave me alone! I am not your type. I will knock you down badly leave me alone!” Prof. Kindiki during a campaign rally
The results now appear to have handed Kindiki a symbolic victory a political uppercut that dents Gachagua’s claim of total dominance in the mountain.
On other hand, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi also walked away with a major win after his preferred candidate, Ndakwa, clinched the Malava seat.
During the campaigns, Mudavadi made a rare emotional appeal “You vote for Ndakwa so I may not lose my job.”
The win strengthens Mudavadi’s grip in Western Kenya and reinforces his relevance within the Broad Based Government.
The Kenya Kwanza coalition strengthened by its recent MOU with ODM also secured victories across several hotspots: Magarini MP
, Kasipul MP, Unguja MP, Mbeere North MP, Malava MP, Banisa and Baringo Senatorial together with Multiple MCA seats
The clean sweep sent a loud message to critics the newly configured coalition is not only stable but also electorally potent.
According to Mombasa lawyer and political analyst Mohammed Suleiman, this by election was a high stakes test for the DP Kindiki.
“Gachagua has been insulting DP Kindiki, calling him the sparano man, a yes sir man. But this election will humble him.
Kindiki will now be seen as a strong force for President Ruto in Mt Kenya,” Suleiman explained.
He added that based on the voting pattern, President Ruto is projected to secure at least 50% of Mt Kenya votes in 2027 far above the 20% minimum required.
President Ruto didn’t mince words when addressing the United Opposition alliance, accusing its leaders of lacking any agenda for ordinary Kenyans.
“We have five men sitting in a hotel discussing power division that you take this, you take that. These fellows have no agenda for the common mwananchi,” said Ruto.
With the Broad Based Government gaining momentum and internal cracks emerging within the opposition, questions now linger
Will the United Opposition regroup and mount a coherent comeback? Or will the coalition splinter before the 2027 elections?
For now, the political winds indicate that Mt Kenya is entering a new phase of realignment, with Kindiki’s star rising and Gachagua’s dominance facing its toughest challenge yet.
