Mbeere North MP Leo Wa Muthende has outlined education, water, roads, and irrigation as his main development priorities, describing the constituency as historically neglected despite its untapped economic potential. He said while muguka farming has strengthened the local economy, residents continue to face challenges such as limited water access, poor road conditions, and low electricity coverage.
Speaking in a Radio Generation interview on Tuesday, Wa Muthende detailed his approach to development and defended his election campaign, which he described as issue-focused rather than personal.
“We did a good issue based campaign, and people listened to us. So I’m confident the court will respect the people’s will and make a good judgment,” he said, highlighting the transparency of Kenya’s election process. “As we speak today, it is very hard to rig an election. You have to talk to the people.”
Wa Muthende was declared the winner of the November 27, 2025 parliamentary by-election on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket, securing 15,802 votes against Newton Kariuki’s 15,308. Following the announcement, two election petitions were filed at the Embu High Court.
The first petition, lodged by Julieta Karigi Kithumbu and Patrick Gitonga Gichoni, was struck out in February 2026 by Justice Richard Mwongo for failure to pay the required Sh500,000 security for costs. The second petition, filed by Newton Kariuki, is currently under full hearing, with the High Court examining allegations of electoral irregularities. Rulings are expected within constitutional timelines.
Wa Muthende described his election journey as humbling and credited guidance from senior political leaders, including Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, on constituency engagement and messaging.
On development, he highlighted the pressing challenges in Mbeere, a largely dry region in Embu County, including poor road infrastructure, limited electricity, and scarce water access.
“This is a vast area that is dry, that has been neglected over time several governments, poor road infrastructure, poor power connectivity, very few homes have tap water,” he said. Less than 30% of households have access to tap water or irrigation, despite the availability of arable land.
Education, he said, remains a top priority. “I chose to focus on education, because I am here because of education. Anybody you see around who has made it is because of education,” Wa Muthende said, noting his efforts to support free secondary education.
Infrastructure and water supply are also central to his plans. “We have some two roads being done, I’ve requested for more roads to be made motorable,” he said. Long-term water solutions include supplying water from nearby dams, though some projects are awaiting funding.
Wa Muthende also encouraged farmers to embrace drought-resistant and cash crops, noting that muguka has become the primary cash crop driving economic growth in the area. “Right now, our main cash crop is muguka. It’s what has turned around our economy,” he said.
On electricity, he pointed out a mismatch between local generation and access. “Most of the electricity, 60% comes from Mbeere, and it’s sad that we have less than 30% homes covered,” he said. He reaffirmed that his development agenda aims to expand irrigation, improve roads, increase water access, and strengthen education to create broader economic opportunities for residents.
