This archive report was first published on 4 May 2021.
As the 2022 general elections approach, Embu county is witnessing a surge in political activity, with several groups vying for assembly seats. One such group, The Mbeere Assembly, has been making waves in the region, comprising former Mbeere region MCAs who were defeated in 2017 and new aspirants for the seats in the 2022 general elections.
Formed on a WhatsApp group, The Mbeere Assembly has been using the platform to undermine those who defeated them in 2017, sparking tension in the region. Analysts have accused the group of sabotaging activities of current MCAs from the upper parts of Embu county, with some even filing a case in court to stop development projects.
Embu governor Martin Wambora has been at the center of the controversy, with MCAs from Mbeere North and South sub-counties led by Embu county assembly speaker Josiah Thiriku rubbishing the claims. The regional politics is playing centre stage ahead of the next general elections, with analysts saying the Mbeere MCAs comprise of failed politicians who want to be relevant.
Current MCAs have called a press conference to counter The Mbeere Assembly activities, with minority leader Masters Mwaniki on behalf of Mbeere MCAs, calling on security apparatus to investigate activities of the group. Several MCAs have come out to express their discomfort with The Mbeere Assembly operations, accusing them of derailing county development plans using courts.
