Chama Cha Uzalendo (CCU) party unveils its candidate for the Mumbuni North Ward by-elections coming up in November 27. Photo Courtesy 
By Andrew Mbuva
The contest for the vacant Mumbuni North Ward seat in Machakos County has continued to gain momentum, with Chama Cha Uzalendo (CCU) becoming the latest party to unveil its candidate ahead of the November 27 by-election.
At a ceremony held at a Machakos town hotel, CCU Secretary General Philippe Sadja presented Mr. Richard Nzioka alias Mbolu as the party’s flag bearer. Mbolu, a former Assistant Chief in the ward, contested unsuccessfully as an independent in the last election.
Sadja exuded confidence that Mbolu would provide transformative leadership, describing his entry as a “disruptive twist” in what is expected to be a fiercely fought contest.
“We are presenting Richard Nzioka alias Mbolu to the people of Mumbuni North not as a typical politician but as a servant leader whose years of public service have prepared him for this role,” said Sadja.
He further ruled out the possibility of alliances with rival formations, saying CCU would go all the way to the ballot in pursuit of victory.
In his acceptance speech, Mbolu pledged to prioritize infrastructure development, water supply improvement, and responsive leadership, promising to reclaim what he termed the “lost development and prosperity” of the ward.
With Mbolu’s unveiling, the by-election is fast shaping into a multi-horse race. Wiper Democratic Movement, which enjoys a strong foothold in Machakos, has already fronted Antony Kisoi in a bid to retain its dominance in the region.
The ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has settled for Misi Mutua and ODM, on the other hand, is weighing its options, with party grassroots officials pushing for active participation.
Analysts say the growing number of aspirants underscores the strategic importance of the ward seat, which is being viewed as both a stepping stone for ambitious politicians and a crucial base for parties seeking to consolidate ground ahead of the 2027 general election.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has already rolled out timelines for campaigns, with voter verification underway.
As the campaigns gather steam, residents of Mumbuni North will be looking keenly at who among the contenders best speaks to their pressing needs before casting their ballots on November 27, 2025.
