By [Ray| December 3, 2025
If you thought the political temperature in Embu was finally going to cool down after the just-concluded Mbeere North MP by-elections, think again. The drama is far from over.
Just as the cheers (and jeers) from the parliamentary race begin to fade, Mbeere North is back in the headlines. Earlier today, Embu County Assembly Speaker Josiah Thiriku officially declared two MCA seats vacant, setting the stage for yet another high-stakes political showdown in the region.
The Gamble That Left Two Seats Empty
The seats in question belong to Muminji Ward and Evurore Ward.
Until recently, these were occupied by Newton Kariuki and Duncan Mbui, respectively. But in a bold—and arguably risky—political maneuver, both leaders resigned from their secure positions at the County Assembly to throw their hats in the ring for the coveted Mbeere North Parliamentary seat.
It was a classic case of “go big or go home.” By chasing the MP seat, they had to relinquish their MCA roles, leaving their wards without representation the moment the parliamentary campaigns kicked into high gear.
“Both Newton Kariuki (Muminji) and Duncan Mbui (Evurore) resigned to contest the MP seat.” — NTV Kenya Update
Why Mbeere North is suddenly “Famous”
To understand why these upcoming MCA by-elections are a big deal, you have to look at the “fame” the recent MP election brought to this area. Mbeere North didn’t just hold an election; it hosted a battlefield.
The parliamentary race wasn’t just about local issues; it morphed into a proxy war for national giants. With heavyweights like Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Interior CS Kithure Kindiki reportedly pulling strings in the background, Mbeere North found itself at the center of Kenya’s national political conversation. The intensity of the campaigns, the high-profile visits, and the fierce rivalry turned this usually quiet constituency into a national spectacle.
Now, that same intense spotlight is shifting to the ward level.
What Comes Next for Muminji and Evurore?
With Speaker Thiriku’s declaration today, the countdown has officially begun. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) will soon announce the dates for the by-elections.
For the residents of Muminji and Evurore, this means:
- Fresh Campaigns: Expect new aspirants to emerge, likely backed by the same rival political camps that fought over the MP seat.
- Another Litmus Test: These by-elections will likely be seen as a “Round 2” to measure which political faction truly holds the ground in Embu.
The ambitious gamble by Kariuki and Mbui has shaken up the board. Now, we wait to see who the people will choose to pick up the pieces.
Stay tuned. The Embu political train hasn’t stopped yet.
Metropolitan 