Jubilant celebrations erupted at the Siakago Tallying Centre early Friday morning after the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate, Leonard Muriuki wa Muthende, was declared the Member of Parliament (MP)-elect for Mbeere North constituency, securing the seat in a tightly contested race.
According to the official tallies from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Wa Muthende clinched the victory with 15,802 votes. He narrowly defeated his closest challenger, Newton Kariuki Ndwiga of the Democratic Party (DP), who finished just behind him with 15,308 votes. The narrow margin of victory, only 494 votes, reflected the tension of a race that kept voters and party agents on edge throughout the counting process.
UDA’s top leadership wasted no time celebrating the win, with Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki, Cabinet Secretary for Public Service and Human Capital Development Geoffrey Ruku, and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire arriving at the tallying centre shortly after the announcement to join the jubilant supporters.
In his first remarks as the MP-elect, Wa Muthende thanked the voters for their trust and pledged to unify the constituency following the rigorous campaign. He committed to prioritizing development projects across all wards, regardless of how residents cast their ballots.
“I want to thank the IEBC for conducting a free and fair election…I will serve you all regardless of how you voted,” Wa Muthende stated. He pledged to focus on key development areas, including bursaries for education, tackling persistent challenges like water scarcity and youth unemployment, and improving road infrastructure. “Whatever project was underway I will complete and start new ones,” he added.
IEBC officials confirmed that, despite isolated concerns raised by various political camps during the election day, the overall poll was conducted smoothly and in compliance with electoral laws. The victory hands the ruling UDA party a crucial parliamentary seat, while the narrow defeat for the DP signals the intensity of the political battle for influence within the Mount Kenya East region.
