By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, July 17, 2026 -Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has tightened his grip on Mt Kenya politics after his Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) swept to a crushing victory in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, securing the fledgling party's first seat in the National Assembly and delivering a significant political setback to President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Official results announced by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) showed DCP candidate Waweru Douglas Kamau winning by an overwhelming margin after garnering 35,440 votes, comfortably defeating UDA's Samuel Muchina, who managed 5,450 votes.
The other candidates trailed far behind, with Wilson Kigwa (Jubilee) polling 198 votes, Stephen Waithaka (NLP) 103, Timothy Kariuki (PRM) 51, Edwin Muchiri (PNU) 28, Abdullahi Abdifatah (FPK) 19, Edward Mwaniki (KMM) 16, and Rachael Njoroge (PDP) 11.
The constituency, which has 73,480 registered voters, recorded a 56.7 per cent voter turnout, with 41,316 valid votes, 340 rejected ballots, and 12 disputed votes.
The emphatic victory is expected to reshape political calculations in the vote-rich Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election, with political analysts viewing the contest as the clearest test yet of the rivalry between President Ruto and his former deputy.
Addressing jubilant supporters after he was declared winner, Mr Kamau described his election as a triumph achieved "against all odds" and pledged to serve the people of Ol Kalou faithfully.
"I have made it possible to become a Member of the National Parliament against all odds," he said, first thanking his wife and family for standing by him throughout the campaign.
He reserved his strongest political message for DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua, declaring that the by-election had transformed the former Deputy President into the undisputed political force in the region.
"The rejected stone has become the cornerstone. Today you have made a statement as the King of the Mountain, the party of choice and the man who will lead our country in 2027," Mr Kamau said, referring to Gachagua.
The MP-elect thanked Ol Kalou voters for what he termed an overwhelming mandate and promised not to betray the confidence they had placed in him.
"I will work for you diligently. My prayer has always been that God gives me not only this seat but also the wisdom to serve and represent you well," he said.
Mr Kamau also praised DCP Secretary-General and Nyandarua Senator John Methu, saying he dedicated himself fully to the three-month campaign, while acknowledging the support of Members of Parliament, aspirants and volunteers who rallied behind his bid.
Moments before the official declaration of the results, Gachagua took to his Facebook page to hail the victory as historic, congratulating Mr Kamau for becoming DCP's first Member of Parliament.
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"You have won by a resounding margin, reflecting the unmistakable voice of the people," Gachagua wrote.
He thanked Ol Kalou residents for electing the party's first MP, saying they had rejected inducements and remained steadfast despite alleged intimidation during the campaign.
"Thank you for refusing to sell your birthright and for being wise enough not to fall for the deception of development projects," he said.
The former Deputy President further alleged that voters had remained resolute despite police action during the campaign.
"Thank you for guarding your vote and standing firm despite the actions of rogue police officers armed with guns and tear gas," he said.
Describing the outcome as a major boost to his political movement, Gachagua said the election had strengthened his team in Parliament.
"I have been struggling with 18 soldiers but with great results. Now I have 19, things will be much better," he remarked.
He also praised campaign leaders John Methu and Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia for steering what he described as a disciplined three-month campaign and announced plans to tour all five wards in Ol Kalou to thank voters personally.
The by-election was occasioned by the death of former Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho and attracted candidates from nine political parties.
Although only one parliamentary seat was at stake, the race quickly evolved into a symbolic battle for political supremacy in Mt Kenya between President Ruto's UDA and Gachagua's rapidly growing DCP.
The scale of DCP's victory is expected to energise Gachagua's push to consolidate support across the region while increasing pressure on UDA as political alliances begin taking shape ahead of the 2027 General Election.
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