Leo Wa Muthende reflects on his victory in tight Mbeere North race

Muthende garnered 15802 votes, narrowly defeating his closest rival, who secured 15,308.

In his post-election interview, Muthende reflects on his narrow victory, a win he believes speaks more to the nature of by-elections than his actual political strength on the ground.

Muthende believes that had the vote been part of a general election, the result would have been overwhelmingly in his favour. He says the small turnout and charged environment of a by-election created the illusion of a tight race, as the majority support him.

“If this had been a general election, I’m convinced the numbers would have been completely different. I would have taken it by a landslide,” he said. 

Despite the confidence, he describes the emotional cost behind the scenes.

While he has developed what he calls a “thick skin” over the years in public life, his family was not shielded from the bruising nature of politics. The constant circulation of negative stories, attacks, and harsh commentary took a toll on them, and that was the most painful part of the journey.

“I’m used to political pressure, but seeing my family shaken by the negativity was the hardest part,” he said.

He also dismisses his opponents’ claims that the by-election was rigged, calling the allegations baseless and politically motivated. For him, the defining moment came not in the noise surrounding the vote, but in the solemn act of taking the oath of office.

He describes holding the Bible and making a commitment to the people of Mbeere North as one of the most meaningful moments of his life, a grounding reminder of why the tough race mattered.

“Holding that Bible and committing myself to my people was one of the best moments of my life,” he said.

The new parliamentarian urged Kenyans to think broadly about the country’s future and to embrace their role in holding the government accountable. Elections, he suggests, are not endpoints but tools and instruments meant to deliver service, responsibility, and progress.

“I want Kenyans to think more about the country and hold the government accountable to its promises,” he said.