By Dorothy Musyoka
The Embu County Assembly has officially welcomed two new Members of the County Assembly following their victories in the recent ward by-elections.
Dancun Muratia Nyaga of Evurore Ward and Peterson Nyaga of Muminji Ward were sworn in during a ceremony presided over by Assembly Speaker Josiah Thiriku.
The event attracted a large turnout, including family members, residents, and Njoki Njeru, the Member of Parliament for Embu County, who attended to witness the lawmakers officially assume office.
The swearing-in marked the final stage of the electoral process that saw the two candidates from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) secure decisive wins in the by-elections held on February 26, 2025.
Results announced by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on February 27 showed Muratia delivering a strong performance in Evurore Ward, where he garnered 7,853 votes to defeat his rivals.
In Muminji Ward, Peterson Nyaga also emerged victorious after securing 3,207 votes in the closely watched contest.
Following the swearing-in, Majority Leader Peter Muriithi welcomed the two legislators and pledged the majority side’s support to help them deliver on their campaign promises.
Muriithi, who represents Mbeti North Ward, said cooperation within the assembly would play a key role in ensuring the new MCAs fulfill the commitments they made to their constituents.
He noted that successful delivery of development promises would be critical if the two leaders hope to retain their seats under the UDA ticket in future elections.
However, Minority Leader Ngari Mbaka offered a contrasting perspective while still pledging to work with the new members.
Mbaka pointed out that both Evurore and Muminji wards have traditionally been strongholds of the Devolution Empowerment Party (DEP).
While congratulating the two MCAs, he cautioned that defending their seats under the UDA banner in the 2027 General Election could prove challenging given the region’s political history.
The swearing-in ceremony formally ushers the two lawmakers into the assembly as they begin representing their wards and contributing to legislative and development matters in Embu County.