The government has intensified security ahead of the Mbeere North by-election to prevent any attempts to disrupt Thursday’s polls, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has said.
The DP warned that anyone who tries to instigate violence in the constituency will face the full force of the law, assuring residents that the by-election will be peaceful.
Speaking on Monday during the final day of campaigns—where he led the vote hunt for UDA candidate Leonard Wamuthende (Leo) at Karerema and Gitiburi grounds—Kindiki said the government will ensure the safety of all voters.
“The government will not allow goons to take over or threaten wananchi not to vote because they fear losing. There will be voting, and the exercise will proceed peacefully,” he assured.
He said all Kenyans must exercise their right to choose their leaders without threats to their lives, warning of dire consequences for anyone attempting to cause mayhem.
“The government will do whatever it takes to protect you to and from the polling stations across the constituency. Nobody should threaten you or stop you from exercising your democratic right,” he added.
The Deputy President urged residents to turn out in large numbers and vote, appealing to them to elect Leo, whom he said has a clear development agenda for the constituency.
“There will be no violence in Mbeere North. The government will use every lawful means to ensure the safety of all voters. Come out and vote for your preferred candidate. No one will stop you,” he emphasized.
As campaigns concluded, the DP promised to follow up on all ongoing projects in the constituency, including the Kanyuambora–Kune–Siakago Road, the Gikuyari–Karambari–Kirie–Ishiara Road, the Runyenjes–Mbeere North Road, and the Kiambere Irrigation Water Project, which has received an additional Sh2 billion.
He also cited the completion of 12 modern markets in Embu County and ongoing electricity projects.
DP Kindiki criticised the opposition for empty talk and slogans, saying they had wasted time issuing threats instead of explaining their development plans.
“Our competitors are focused on slogans instead of challenging our development programme, which includes tarmacking more roads, electricity connections, water projects, modern markets, and more,” he said.
If elected, Kindiki urged Leo to serve all residents with humility and avoid discriminating against those who did not vote for him.
He also encouraged him to establish the Mbeere North Special Education Fund to ensure every child in the constituency has access to education.
“If elected, work with everyone because you will be a servant of all, whether they voted for you or not,” the DP said.
Present at the event were Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, ICT Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo, Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, Senator Alexander Mundigi, and MPs Muchangi Karemba (Runyenjes), Mary Maingi (Mwea), Irene Njoki (Bahati), and Susan Ngugi (Tharaka Nithi Woman Rep), among others.
