Celebrations broke out at the Siakago Tallying Centre early Friday after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) declared UDA candidate Leonard Muriuki wa Muthende the MP-elect for Mbeere North.

Senior UDA leaders including Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire arrived at the centre shortly after the announcement to join supporters in marking the victory.

According to IEBC’s official results, Wa Muthende garnered 15,802 votes, narrowly beating Democratic Party (DP) candidate Newton Kariuki Ndwiga, who received 15,308 votes.
The tight margin kept voters, agents and supporters in suspense as results trickled in from polling stations across the constituency.

In his acceptance speech, Wa Muthende thanked residents for their confidence in his leadership, pledging to unite the constituency and accelerate development across all wards.
He committed to working with both county and national governments to tackle ongoing challenges, including water shortages, youth unemployment, and poor road networks.

“I want to thank the IEBC for conducting a free and fair election… I will serve you all regardless of how you voted. I will focus on bursaries, complete ongoing projects and initiate new ones,” he said.

IEBC officials noted that while a few concerns were raised by different camps during the voting process, the by-election was conducted smoothly and in accordance with the law.