According to information gathered by our newsroom — which has been tracking the campaigns closely, inspired by the ground reports we have been receiving from our political sources — UDA candidate Leonard Wa Muthende chose not to attend the televised debate held on November 23, 2025.
Instead, Muthende held a separate town hall meeting targeting young people from the constituency, a move that immediately shifted the day’s political conversation.
While seven aspirants honoured the invitation by the local TV station, Muthende was noticeably absent.
Instead, Muthende held a separate town hall meeting targeting young people from the constituency, a move that immediately shifted the day’s political conversation.
While seven aspirants honoured the invitation by the local TV station, Muthende was noticeably absent.
His team later explained that the UDA candidate preferred a direct engagement with residents, especially the youth, who form a large percentage of Mbeere North voters.
During the town hall forum, Muthende outlined his development plan, focusing on jobs, agriculture, and youth empowerment.
During the town hall forum, Muthende outlined his development plan, focusing on jobs, agriculture, and youth empowerment.
He emphasised that leaders should “speak with people, not at people,” adding that town hall meetings give him a clearer picture of what residents expect if he wins the seat.
The United Opposition candidate Newton Karish, running under the Democratic Party, used the televised debate to share his manifesto.
The United Opposition candidate Newton Karish, running under the Democratic Party, used the televised debate to share his manifesto.
Karish defended his plans on infrastructure, bursaries, and local business growth. His team argued that debates give all candidates equal visibility and allow residents to compare leadership styles.
Several other aspirants also attended the debate, including Lawrence Ireri Mwaniki, Albert Murimi, Isaac Murigingi, Simon Waiharo, and Reuben Kamathai.
Several other aspirants also attended the debate, including Lawrence Ireri Mwaniki, Albert Murimi, Isaac Murigingi, Simon Waiharo, and Reuben Kamathai.
Their participation ensured the debate went on as planned, even as two candidates — Muthende and Chama Cha Kazi’s Duncan Mbui — skipped the session.
At his town hall meeting, Muthende also officiated the awarding of winners of the Leo Super Cup, a football tournament he sponsored to encourage talent development in the region.
At his town hall meeting, Muthende also officiated the awarding of winners of the Leo Super Cup, a football tournament he sponsored to encourage talent development in the region.
The event attracted many young people, with the UDA candidate using the opportunity to highlight sports as a tool for unity and economic growth.
The Mbeere North by-election has become one of the most competitive mini-polls this year. Both UDA and the united opposition are investing heavily in the campaigns, hoping to secure the seat ahead of the 2027 general election.
With campaigns entering the final stretch ahead of the November 27 vote, candidates are intensifying their activities across the constituency.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who has been active in the region, campaigned for the UDA candidate in Kivue on November 23. His visit signalled the importance UDA has placed on reclaiming the constituency.
The Mbeere North by-election has become one of the most competitive mini-polls this year. Both UDA and the united opposition are investing heavily in the campaigns, hoping to secure the seat ahead of the 2027 general election.
With campaigns entering the final stretch ahead of the November 27 vote, candidates are intensifying their activities across the constituency.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who has been active in the region, campaigned for the UDA candidate in Kivue on November 23. His visit signalled the importance UDA has placed on reclaiming the constituency.
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