It is now all systems go in the upcoming Mbeere North Constituency by-election, after Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) cleared nine candidates to contest.

The two-day exercise held on Wednesday and Thursday this week were characterised by fierce rivalry as candidates mobilised supporters to accompany them for clearance at Constituency IEBC offices in Siakago Town.

A similar situation was witnessed in Kakamga, western Kenya, where candidates vying for the Malava constituency were on the stomp to forcefully flex their muscle upon clearance by the poll agency.

A common denominator in either by-election is the strong presence of state and ruling party, United Democratic Alliance (UDA). The ruling party has mobilised state machinery at national and grassroots levels to stomp for the nominees, raising fears of possible rigging by the state where possible outcomes may appear to be tilting away from the ruling party.

State functionaries are literally camping in the two constituencies, which are increasingly taking on the bellwether mantle for 2027 elections.

On Wednesday, opposition candidates Newton Karish of Democratic Party (DP) and Chama Cha Kazi (CCK) hopeful Duncan Mbui, who recently resigned as Muminji and Evorore Ward MCAs respectively, were cleared amid rumours that a petition had been filed in court by some voters to block them.

It is alleged that the two managed to circumvent the move by securing clearance before court orders were issued. They both accused Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku of being behind the scheme to clear the way and give UDA candidate Leonard Muthende an easy ride in the mini-election.

On Thursday, Muthende was cleared setting the stage for a duel between the three political heavyweights in a poll billed as a litmus test for the opposition and the ruling party.

Muthende was accompanied by a host of MPs including Mwengi Mutuse (Kibwezi West), Mwangi Kiunjuri (Laikipia East), Mugambi Rindikiri (Buuri), Patrick Munene (Chuka Igamba Ng’ombe) and John Paul Mwirigi (Igembe South)

Others were George Murugara (Tharaka), Sabina Chege (Nominated), Engineer Nebart Muriuki (Mbeere South), Muchangi Karemba (Runyenjes) and Woman Representatives Ann Wamuratha (Kiambu) and Pamela Njoki (Embu).

The team later held well-attended rallis at Siakago Stadium to marshal support for the UDA aspirant, with a promise of smooth continuation of his predecessor Ruku’s projects. They implored on the voters to rally behind the ruling party’s candidate, saying he was the best bet for them in terms of attracting development in the area that has suffered marginalization for decades.

The leaders praised Muthende for his humility and commitment to development, saying his candidature represented the government’s confidence in his ability to steer Mbeere North to greater heights.

On his part, Muthende said he was deeply humbled by the overwhelming support and love he had received from votes across the constituency, promising to ensure that Mbeere North remains firmly in government, so that development continues to reach every corner.

As Muthende enjoys government backing, Karish, renowned benga musician-turned politician is banking on his performance track record having served as Muminji MCA for three consecutive terms and also support from seasoned politicians Justin Muturi and Lenny Kivuti who are backing him.

On the other hand, Mbui is also banking on the number of registered voters in his Evurore Ward that he has served as MCA for two terms, given that it is the most populous ward in the constituency, to tilt the scales in his favour.

A week ago, the opposition sounded alarm over a plot to rig the election by operatives linked to the UDA government.

Democratic Party (DP) leader Justin Muturi and Devolution Empowerment Party (DEP) popularly known as Bus Party Leader Lenny Kivuti alleged that efforts were underway to rig the election by importing voters into the constituency.

The duo accused the government of sensing defeat and thus resulting in a desperate attempt to manipulate the poll, allegations that Ruku has refuted dismissing them as unfounded.

He accused the two of propagating panic because they were fearing defeat, asserting that the people of Mbeere North had already made up their mind that they would vote for the UDA candidate.

Other candidates, who have been cleared to vie include Lawrence Ireri, Isaac Muringi, Albert Ngari, Daniel Ngari, Reuben Njeru and Simon Waiharo.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Samuel Waititu