Bribery allegations, drama mar Mbeere North by-election
Duncan Mbui alleged that unmarked vehicles had been stationed across various parts of the constituency, distributing money and packets of flour to unsuspecting residents.
Allegations of widespread voter bribery and tense confrontations marred the Mbeere North by-election on Thursday, November 27, 2025, as residents turned out in large numbers to elect a new Member of Parliament.
The by-election was necessitated by the vacancy left after former MP Geoffrey Ruku’s appointment as Cabinet Secretary for Public Service in March 2025.
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Chama Cha Kazi (CCK) candidate Duncan Mbui raised concerns shortly after casting his vote at Kiathambu Primary School in Evurore Ward, claiming both UDA and the Democratic Party (DP) were attempting to influence voters with cash and food handouts.
Mbui alleged that unmarked vehicles had been stationed across various parts of the constituency, distributing money and packets of flour to unsuspecting residents.
“There is a lot of voter bribery happening today. I do not see this election being free and fair,” Mbui said.
According to him, many of the vehicles involved in the bribery scheme had deliberately removed their number plates, making it difficult to identify the culprits.
He urged residents not to be swayed by handouts, insisting that the future of Mbeere North was far more valuable than temporary gifts meant to manipulate their decision.
The aspirant encouraged voters to uphold integrity by making independent choices that reflect their hopes and aspirations for better leadership and development.
While voting proceeded across the constituency, the by-election was also marked by tension at Siakago Social Hall, where DP leader Justin Muturi ejected a polling agent identified as Chinga Ward MCA Thuku Kiruga.
The agent representing Leonard Wa Muthende was kicked out for wearing yellow, which is one of the official colours of the UDA party.
Muturi added that it is against the law to wear party colours at the polling station.
"It is disappointing and telling that those who should be defending the law are the same ones breaking it. An MCA from Nyeri, Karuga, travelled all the way to Siakago dressed in full UDA party colours, right inside a polling centre. This is illegal," said Muturi in a statement on X, formerly Twitter.
"Election Day is not a campaign stage, and polling stations are not theatres for party branding. The vote belongs to the people of Mbeere North, not outsiders, not party agents, and not those who think power places them above the law."
The DP leader said he made it clear that such actions would not be tolerated and that the agent was removed from the station as required by law. He also accused his rivals of bringing hired goons to disrupt the vote.
“We are also aware of hired goons around the station. Let it be known, we are not intimidated. The vote belongs to the people of Mbeere North, not outsiders, not party agents, and not those who think power places them above the law,” he said.
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