UDA unveils candidate for Mbeere North By-Election

President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has settled on Leonard Muriuki, popularly known as Leo, as its candidate in the upcoming Mbeere North constituency by-election scheduled for November 27, 2025.

The decision followed a consensus reached by eight other aspirants who stepped down in his favour after consultations within the party. 

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who is also UDA Deputy Party Leader, hailed the move as a sign of political maturity and unity within the ruling party.

Speaking on Saturday in Embu County when he unveiled the candidate, Kindiki praised the aspirants for shelving their ambitions to back one candidate.

He said the gesture demonstrated enviable leadership and selflessness.

“As a party, we are delighted that all our aspirants have agreed to endorse one candidate. This shows the strength of our democracy and unity of purpose,” said Kindiki.

"The sacrificial role played by the immediate former area MP, Geoffrey Ruku, who has now been appointed to the Cabinet and the 8 aspirants who have stepped down for Leo is immensely appreciated by our party’s rank and file," he added.

He stated that Muriuki will be officially handed the party’s nomination certificate next week.

In a show of solidarity, former MP Charles Muriuki Njagagua, who was among the aspirants, has been tasked with leading the UDA campaign secretariat in Mbeere North. 

He will be supported by the other aspirants who stepped down.

“We are grateful to Njagagua for his selflessness. He will head the secretariat that will coordinate our campaign efforts across the constituency,” Kindiki said.

The Mbeere North seat fell vacant after Geoffrey Ruku, the immediate former MP, was appointed Cabinet Secretary for Public Service.

Muriuki, in his acceptance speech, pledged to work with the former aspirants and all residents of Mbeere North to deliver a landslide victory for UDA. 

“This unity is a strong foundation for our campaign. I promise to work with all stakeholders to ensure meaningful development for the people of this constituency,” he said.

Party officials present at the meeting described the consensus as a strategic move that strengthens UDA’s grassroots presence.

They noted that the unity deal would help consolidate support and give the party momentum ahead of the by-election.