Kerugoya MCA Eric Muchina during a previous event in Kerugoya town / ALICE WAITHERA
Democracy for Citizens Party leaders in Kirinyaga and Embu have hailed
the party's victory in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, describing it as
a major political statement that signals shifting voter loyalty in the Mt Kenya
region ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The leaders said the outcome had strengthened the party's confidence ahead
of next year's polls, arguing that the by-election demonstrated growing support
for DCP despite an aggressive campaign mounted by the ruling UDA party.
"The people of Ol Kalou protected their votes. The IEBC must now
rebuild public confidence and ensure future elections are conducted in a manner
that inspires trust among Kenyans," Kerugoya MCA Eric Muchina said.
The Ol Kalou by-election attracted national attention after it evolved into
a fierce political contest between President William Ruto's UDA and former
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's DCP.
Political observers viewed the race as an early test of influence in the
vote-rich Mt Kenya region, with both parties deploying senior leaders and
extensive campaign machinery.
DCP’s candidate Sammy Kamau won the seat with 35,440 votes,
defeating UDA’s candidate Samuel Nyagah, who garnered 5,450 votes,
while Jubilee Party candidate Wilson Kigwa finished a distant third with 164
votes.
The victory handed DCP its first National Assembly seat and was widely
interpreted as a morale boost for the opposition outfit.
The by-election was also marked by controversy, with opposition leaders
alleging voter intimidation, deployment of hooded security officers, violence,
disruption of campaigns and attempts to influence voters through distribution
of assorted goods.
Speaking in Kerugoya, Muchina argued that the outcome reflected changing
political dynamics in the Mt Kenya region as the General Election draws nearer.
He claimed the victory demonstrated that voters remained determined to
defend their choices despite what he described as intense political pressure
during the campaigns.
Embu Town residents celebrating DCP's win in Ol Kalou on July 17, 2026/ ALICE WAITHERA
Muchina also criticised Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku, accusing him of promoting a political agenda aimed at dividing the Mt Kenya region through the creation of an 'Mt Kenya East' political bloc comprising Embu, Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties.
"We reject attempts to divide the Mt Kenya region for political convenience. Our region has always stood together, and leaders should focus on uniting rather than creating unnecessary divisions," he said.
The MCA said the CS should concentrate on delivering government programmes instead of engaging in regional political mobilisation, arguing that such campaigns risk deepening political divisions ahead of the elections.
In Embu town, business activities were briefly disrupted as hundreds of youths and boda boda operators took to the streets to celebrate the DCP victory, causing heavy traffic along the Embu-Meru highway as they hooted, waved party colours and sang victory songs.
The celebrations were led by Embu county youth leader and senatorial aspirant James Soja, who praised Ol Kalou voters for defending what he termed the people's democratic will despite the challenges experienced during the campaigns.
"The level of maturity and enthusiasm the residents portrayed to protect their voice through the ballot was unmatched despite government machinery that was purposely sent to cause chaos in order to steal the people's victory," Soja said.
He alleged that similar tactics had been witnessed during the Mbeere North by-election last year, claiming opposition supporters were intimidated by hooded security officers, an issue he said deserved thorough investigations.
Soja expressed confidence that DCP's popularity would continue growing across the country as the party prepares for the 2027 elections, while urging Mt Kenya residents to reject attempts to fragment the region along political or ethnic lines.
Kamau now becomes Ol Kalou MP following the death of David Kiaraho in March.
The constituency has 73,480 registered voters spread across 144 polling stations, making the contest one of the most closely watched by-elections in recent years because of its perceived significance in shaping the political direction of the Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election.
