Karish was speaking during the Mbeere North aspirants’ debate aired on a local TV station on Sunday night, November 24, 2025.
During the discussion, the outspoken aspirant said his comments about the governor should not come as a surprise, insisting that politics naturally attracts sharp exchanges—especially when leaders take sides.
“Stray bullets are part of politics”
Karish said Governor Mbarire became a subject of his criticism the moment she publicly endorsed his rival in the upcoming mini-poll.
According to him, leaders who join campaign trails must be ready to face scrutiny, noting that politics becomes confrontational when alliances harden.
“The governor is mentioned because she supports my competitor,” Karish said during the debate.
“When you stand with my opponent, you automatically step into the contest. No active politician can avoid criticism once they join the arena.”
He argued that Mbarire had placed herself “in the political firing line,” and that his remarks were not personal but a reflection of heightened competition in Mbeere North.
Karish claimed that what was expected to be a clean and idea-driven race had changed dramatically. He said rival camps had abandoned policy discussions in favour of personal attacks, forcing him to respond in equal measure.
The DP aspirant accused some of his competitors of running away from meaningful conversations about development and instead choosing to glorify Governor Mbarire while dismissing his efforts.
Karish insisted that he would continue confronting anyone he believes is interfering with his campaigns, especially those pushing what he described as “selective praise.”
“We know her record as governor, so nobody will convince us otherwise,” Karish posted earlier, claiming that his opponents were avoiding real issues.
He argued that Mbarire had placed herself “in the political firing line,” and that his remarks were not personal but a reflection of heightened competition in Mbeere North.
Karish claimed that what was expected to be a clean and idea-driven race had changed dramatically. He said rival camps had abandoned policy discussions in favour of personal attacks, forcing him to respond in equal measure.
The DP aspirant accused some of his competitors of running away from meaningful conversations about development and instead choosing to glorify Governor Mbarire while dismissing his efforts.
Karish insisted that he would continue confronting anyone he believes is interfering with his campaigns, especially those pushing what he described as “selective praise.”
“We know her record as governor, so nobody will convince us otherwise,” Karish posted earlier, claiming that his opponents were avoiding real issues.
Mbarire responds: “We won’t apologise for supporting development”
Governor Cecily Mbarire, on her part, has maintained a firm stance amid Karish’s repeated jabs. She defended her participation in the campaigns, saying she owed the people of Embu honesty and leadership.
Mbarire dismissed claims that her involvement amounts to interference, arguing that promoting development and supporting government initiatives should not attract hostility.
“If supporting the government and bringing development makes us traitors, then so be it,” she said. “We are not stepping back.”
The Embu governor pointed to key county projects—among them the upgraded Ishiara Market—as evidence that her administration is delivering on its promises. She urged voters to remain focused on tangible improvements rather than political quarrels.
The exchange between Karish and Mbarire has further polarised the Mbeere North campaign environment.
Residents report that the race has grown increasingly charged, with supporters from both sides trading accusations and defending their preferred leaders.
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