Violence and verbal barbs mar Mumbuni North MCA by-election campaigns
Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse’s campaign vehicle, fitted with sound system, which was stoned and vandalised during a rally in Mumbuni North on Sunday. The MP has urged police and the IEBC to take swift action to ensure those responsible are brought to justice. Photo/Gastone Valusi
The Mumbuni North MCA by-election, scheduled for Thursday this week, is shaping up to be a fiercely contested battle with three notable candidates namely Wiper Party’s Anthony Kisoi, Maendeleo Chap Chap’s Harrison Wambua, and United Democratic Alliance's Misi Mutua.
Residents of the ward have urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to ensure free, fair and peaceful elections on Thursday.
The call follows violent incidents in which a Wiper candidate supporter was injured on Saturday and, on Sunday, Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse’s vehicle fitted with sound system was stoned and vandalised during a rally in the ward while drumming up support for Mr Wambua.
Key players and their chances
Anthony Kyalo Kisoi of the Wiper Patriotic Front is a youthful candidate enjoying strong backing from several Wiper-aligned MPs.
His campaign is largely managed by former Machakos Town MP Dr Victor Munyaka.
Dr Munyaka is leading the fightback against the incumbent MP Caleb Mule of Maendeleo Chap Chap (MCCP), who is spearheading the party’s support for its candidate Harrison Wambua.
While Wiper has framed the by-election as a rallying point for the Kamba community and a stepping stone to Kalonzo Musyoka’s 2027 presidential bid, MCCP – led by Labour Cabinet Secretary and former Machakos Governor Dr Alfred Mutua – presents itself as the more progressive, development-focused party.
However, Wiper last week countered MCCP’s development narrative by showcasing projects in Mumbuni North delivered under Governor Wavinya Ndeti, including Mumbuni North Dispensary, issuance of cheques to coffee farmers at Kasinga Coffee Factory, upgrading of the playground at Kiangine Primary School, and improvement of various roads in the ward, among others.
MCCP has yet to highlight a single project in the ward completed by its party leader Dr Alfred Mutua during his ten-year tenure as Governor of Machakos County.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has thrown his full weight behind Kisoi, viewing the by-election as a litmus test for his own 2027 presidential ambitions.
Kisoi’s campaign emphasizes education and development, themes likely to resonate with voters.
MCCP’s Harrison Wambua has mounted a spirited challenge despite perceptions that, as a wealthy urban resident, he is out of touch with local people.
CS Mutua’s lingering influence in Ukambani politics could still give Mr Wambua a fighting chance.
The decision by MCCP to field a candidate has, however, exposed cracks within the Kenya Kwanza coalition, with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) putting forward Misi Mutua, an elderly church elder unveiled by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Vincent Musyoka Kawaya.
UDA views the contest as an opportunity to flex its muscle in Kalonzo Musyoka’s traditional backyard.
Mr Kawaya has since kept a low profile, and UDA’s campaign has remained largely subdued.
Generational politics will also feature prominently, with younger voters increasingly assertive ahead of the 2027 general election.
Kisoi’s youthful energy may appeal to Gen Z, while Misi Mutua’s age and church leadership could attract older voters.
Party loyalty remains a factor. Wiper’s traditional stronghold in Ukambani and Musyoka’s personal influence are expected to give Kisoi an edge.
The seat fell vacant following the death of Mr Saul Kavuu, who was elected on an MCCP ticket, meaning MCCP is defending the seat.
Campaigns have been marked by sharp exchanges and verbal attacks, particularly between supporters of Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Alfred Mutua.
Dr Mutua alleged that Wiper was planning to rig the election by buying voters’ identity cards and accused the party of promoting “politics of poverty” aimed at keeping Ukambani “outside government”.
The Wiper team, led by Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi, hit back swiftly.
Addressing a rally at Manza Primary School grounds on Saturday, Mr Mwangangi reminded Dr Mutua that, as a Cabinet Secretary, he was already in government.
“I wish to remind Labour CS Alfred Mutua that he is a Cabinet Secretary and therefore in government. When he comes to Mumbuni crying that Wiper is planning to rig the election, we are surprised because Wiper is not in government. He should take that information to the police and to the IEBC,” said Mr Mwangangi.
Mr Mwangangi added that a vote for either the MCCP or UDA candidate would amount to a vote for President William Ruto, who recently described Wiper leaders as “lacking brains” during a visit to Machakos.
The outcome of the Mumbuni North Ward by-election will therefore be widely seen as a litmus test for Kalonzo Musyoka’s presidential bid and a gauge of his continuing influence in Ukambani politics.
Campaigns have officially ended on Monday (today).
