CS Ruku Dismisses Claims Gachagua Visited His Grandmother During Mbeere North By-Election Campaigns
Mbeere North, Kenya – Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has dismissed claims that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua visited his grandmother’s home during campaign activities in Mbeere North, describing the reports as false and misleading.
The controversy erupted after photos circulated online on Monday, November 17, showing Gachagua engaging in door-to-door campaigns in the constituency. Social media users speculated that one of the homes he visited belonged to Ruku’s grandmother, sparking heated debate in the region.
Speaking during a rally in Muminji, Ruku categorically denied the claims, insisting that both his parents and grandmother had long passed away.
“Riggy G, stop lying to people that yesterday morning you woke up and went to the grandmother of Ruku. That is nonsense,” Ruku declared.
“If I, Ruku, do not have a mother or a father, as they passed away a long time ago – even the people of Muminji know this – can my grandmother really be alive?” he added.
Media Criticism
“I also saw Citizen TV highlighting these issues. They are used to lying to Kenyan people, and we want to tell them from here in Muminji not to bring their attitude and enmity to us in Mbeere North,” he said.
The remarks underscore the growing tension in the constituency ahead of the November 27 by-election, where political alliances are fiercely competing to secure the seat vacated by Ruku following his Cabinet appointment.
By-Election Dynamics
The Mbeere North by-election has become a two-horse race between Leonard Muthende of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Newton Karish of the Democratic Party (DP). Both candidates are backed by heavyweight political figures who have vowed to camp in the area until the polls are concluded.
Gachagua has thrown his weight behind Karish, leading the DP campaign team alongside other opposition leaders. His involvement follows the withdrawal of a candidate from the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), who stepped aside to support Karish.
On the other hand, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and CS Ruku are spearheading the UDA campaign for Muthende, intensifying the rivalry between the two camps.
Political Stakes
The by-election is viewed as a critical test of political influence in the region, particularly between leaders aligned with UDA and those supporting DP. The outcome will determine who succeeds Ruku in Parliament, with the victor expected to play a significant role in shaping local development priorities.
Observers note that the campaign strategies have increasingly focused on personal engagement, with candidates and their allies visiting homes and holding community meetings to win voter trust.
Conclusion
With both camps determined to secure victory, residents of Mbeere North are bracing for an intense final stretch of campaigning before casting their votes on November 27.
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CS Ruku Dismisses Claims Gachagua Visited His Grandmother During Mbeere North By-Election Campaigns
