UDA Candidate Leonard Muthende Boycotts Mbeere North Aspirants Debate
The Mbeere North by-election race took an unexpected turn after United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Leo Wa Muthende boycotted a scheduled aspirants’ debate hosted by a local television station on November 23, 2025.
Wa Muthende, considered one of the frontrunners in the contest, opted instead to hold a youth-focused town hall meeting within the constituency as his competitors faced off in the televised debate. His absence immediately drew attention, especially as several candidates used the platform to outline their plans for the region.
United Opposition candidate Newton Karish, who is contesting under the Democratic Party, attended the debate and defended his policy proposals, emphasising economic revitalisation, youth empowerment, and improved public services for residents of Mbeere North.
Karish and six other candidates participated in the event, including Lawrence Ireri Mwaniki, Albert Murimi, Isaac Murigingi, Simon Waiharo, Reuben Kamathai, and Lawrence Ireri. Their attendance offered voters a rare opportunity to compare competing visions just days before the poll.
Meanwhile, Wa Muthende used his town hall meeting to present his development agenda directly to supporters. The session also doubled as a community event, during which he awarded winners of the Leo Super Cup, a football competition he hosted on the same day.
Another notable absentee from the debate was Chama Cha Kazi (CCK) candidate Duncan Mbui, who, like Wa Muthende, skipped the televised forum without issuing an immediate public explanation.
The Mbeere North by-election has become one of the most closely watched contests in the country, with both the UDA and the united opposition coalition investing heavily in the campaign. Political analysts suggest the outcome could act as an early indicator of shifting voter sentiment ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Across the country, candidates participating in the November 27, 2025 by-elections have entered their final day of campaigning, with political parties stepping up mobilisation efforts as they seek to secure last-minute support.
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UDA Candidate Leonard Muthende Boycotts Mbeere North Aspirants Debate