Opinion shaper and people living with disabilities defender, Mike Makarina, has predicted that the Mbeere North by-election will be a major setback for former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Speaking in a video posted on his social media on November 18, 2025, Makarina urged Gachagua to brace for a heavy loss in the constituency, where he has been campaigning to support his Democratic Party (DP) candidate, Newton Karish. The Meru County-based PWD advocate revealed that residents have expressed their support for Karish over United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Leonard Muuriki, dismissing Gachagua as more of a comedian than a politician.
