Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has intensified his involvement in the Mbeere North parliamentary by-election, combining his signature early-morning walks with a door-to-door campaign for DCP candidate Newton Karish.
In a message shared after a morning hike on Monday, Gachagua said he had resumed his routine walks through mango farms in Mbeere North, describing the experience as exhilarating and an opportunity to interact directly with residents.
“What a beautiful morning! My morning walk through mango farms in Mbeere North has been nothing but an exhilarating, breathtaking experience,” he said.
According to Gachagua, the walk also served as a launchpad for grassroots mobilisation in support of Karish.
He engaged villagers one-on-one, visiting homes to energise the door-to-door campaign and rally support ahead of the by-election.
“I combined my pursuit for good health with one-on-one campaign for Newton Karish, my candidate of choice for the Mbeere North parliamentary by-election. I met my fellow villagers in homes to commission door-to-door campaign,” he said.
Gachagua expressed optimism about Karish’s prospects, citing positive feedback from residents and praising them for rejecting attempts at vote-buying.
“I am very encouraged by the response and assistance by the residents; they cannot sell their vote no matter the price,” he noted.
He added that he would remain in the constituency for the next nine days to continue engaging voters and reinforcing Karish’s campaign.
“For the next nine days, I am on the ground, listening and engaging the people of Mbeere North,” he said.
The by-election has drawn intense political interest, with parties stepping up their presence as polling day approaches.
The DCP candidate faces stiff competition from United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Leonard Wamuthende.
On Sunday, Gachagua led a high-profile opposition team to drum up support for Karish, alleging that the government was using intimidation and money to influence the election.
Addressing worshippers in Kanyuambora, he claimed that state-sponsored violence had been directed at his supporters, alleging that goons were being ferried to disrupt campaign events.
He further accused senior government officials of spending cash in villages to buy votes, urging residents to resist what he termed an attempt to undermine their democratic choice.
“A time will come when I will come and close those ‘hotels’; our people cannot be bought,” he said.
The Mbeere North by-election has heightened political tensions in the region, with rival camps trading accusations as voting day approaches.
Gachagua said the outcome of the vote is crucial not only politically but also symbolically, arguing that victory would help restore the respect and dignity of the Embu people.
