The New Democrats (TND) Party leader, Thuo Mathenge, has cautioned against attempts to arm-twist Mount Kenya voters ahead of the upcoming Mbeere North parliamentary by-election, warning that the region should be allowed to freely determine its political destiny.
Speaking on Thursday , Mathenge said the by-election should not be turned into a battlefield for national supremacy wars but should instead reflect the will and aspirations of the people of Mbeere North.
“The people of Mount Kenya must be allowed to make their own choices without being pushed or dictated to. Mbeere North should not be used as a tool to discriminate anyone—our people know the leaders they want,” Mathenge stated.
He urged political parties and leaders to focus on issues affecting ordinary residents—including agriculture, infrastructure, and youth empowerment—rather than using the poll as a stage to test political influence.
According to him, attempts to polarize the constituency along tribal or factional lines would only undermine democracy in the region.
The TND leader further warned that ignoring the voice of the people could fuel disillusionment among voters, who already feel sidelined in national politics.
“Our democracy is built on the principle of free choice. Any attempt to force leaders on our people is not only undemocratic but also a betrayal of the very spirit of our Constitution,” he said.
Mathenge’s remarks come as the Mbeere North by-election shapes up to be a hotly contested race, with various political camps in Mount Kenya seeking to use it as a litmus test for their influence ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The seat fell vacant after Geoffrey Ruku was appointed Public Service Cabinet Secretary by President William Ruto.
