Blow to Gachagua as DCP candidate in Mbeere North mini polls decamps

Mbeere North politics took a dramatic twist this week after Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) aspirant Duncan Mbui quit the party to run as an independent in the upcoming parliamentary by-election.
Mbui, the current Member of County Assembly for Evurore Ward, announced on Saturday,  6 September 2025, saying DCP had “betrayed” his supporters by stepping aside in favour of the Justin Muturi-led Democratic Party (DP). He accused the party, which is associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, of acting like “a members’ club” that was serving external interests rather than those of Mbeere North residents.
“We have always been independent and shall win as INDEPENDENT,” Mbui declared, vowing to carry on his campaign outside the DCP umbrella.
The decision leaves the faction without a candidate in the race, despite initial indications that Mbui would carry its flag. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) requires all independent candidates to submit their names and symbols by 17September 2025, and provide clearance showing they have not been affiliated with any political party for at least three months.
The by-election, slated for  27 November 2025, is shaping up to be a fierce contest. The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has settled on Leonard Muriuki (“Leo”) as its candidate, while DP is backing Newton Kariuki (“Newton Karish”), with Mbui now joining the fray as an independent.
Dancun Mbui, a former DCP candidate in the Mbeere North by-elections who will be vying as an independent candidate.PHOTO/@rigathi/X
The by-elections
The three-horse race that could split votes across party and regional lines. Political analysts say Mbui’s move is a setback for Gachagua, who has been using DCP to consolidate influence in Embu County. It also injects new uncertainty into an already volatile race, with Evurore and Mumenji wards expected to be decisive battlegrounds.
As campaigns gather momentum, all eyes are now on Mbui’s ability to mobilise grassroots support without party machinery—and whether his gamble to go it alone will pay off at the ballot.
The by-election stems from the appointment of Geoffrey Ruku, then the Mbeere North Member of Parliament, to a Cabinet position. On  17 April  2025, President William Ruto nominated Ruku as the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, replacing former CS Justin Muturi.
Ruku accepted the role soon thereafter, prompting his resignation from Parliament. Consequently, parliamentary protocols mandated that the Speaker formally declare the seat vacant and that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) organise a by-election within the statutory 90-day window.