Rigathi Gachagua is expected to lead a thanksgiving tour across Ol Kalou Constituency today after the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) secured a major victory in the parliamentary by-election held on Thursday.
The tour follows the declaration of DCP candidate Sammy Kamau Ngotho as the winner of the closely watched contest, handing the party its first seat in the National Assembly since its formation. The victory has been welcomed by party leaders and supporters, who view it as an important milestone for the party’s growth and political influence.
According to the planned itinerary, Gachagua will be joined by elected leaders, party officials and supporters as they move through different parts of the constituency. The team is expected to make stops at Ndundori Gwa Kiongo, Ngorika, Tumaini, Ol Kalou Town and finally Miharati Town, where the tour will conclude.
Among those expected to accompany him are Nyandarua Senator John Methu, Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia and other leaders allied to DCP. The tour is intended to thank residents for their support during the by-election and to celebrate the party’s first parliamentary victory.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) announced that Kamau won the seat after securing 35,440 votes. His closest challenger, United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Samuel Muchina Nyaga, received 5,450 votes. Jubilee Party candidate Wilson Kigwa finished third with 198 votes.
Other candidates in the race included Stephen Wanyoike Waithaka of the National Liberal Party, Timothy Kamau Kariuki of the People’s Movement Party, Edwin Kariiri Muchiri of PNU, Abdifatah Hussein Abdullahi of FPK, Edward Mathenge Mwaniki of KMM and Rachael Wangui Njoroge of PDP.
The IEBC reported that voter turnout stood at 57 per cent. A total of 41,656 ballots were cast out of 73,480 registered voters, indicating significant participation in the election.
Following the announcement of the results, Gachagua congratulated Kamau and thanked the people of Ol Kalou for supporting the party. He described the outcome as a historic moment for DCP and said the victory reflected the will of the voters.
The by-election attracted attention from across the country, with many viewing it as a contest between President William Ruto’s UDA and Gachagua’s DCP.
Senior political leaders from both camps campaigned extensively in the constituency during the weeks leading up to the vote.
The election was held following the death of former Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho, creating the first parliamentary vacancy in the constituency since the 2022 General Election.
The campaign period was marked by intense political activity and allegations of voter bribery. Election day was also overshadowed by incidents of violence, with reports of attacks involving armed individuals, injuries to several people and police using teargas in some areas as tensions rose.
Despite the challenges, the election was completed and a winner declared, setting the stage for DCP’s first representation in the National Assembly.
