By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, 18 July 2026 - Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) has announced itself as a formidable political force after clinching a resounding victory in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, handing President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA) one of its most significant political setbacks in the Mt Kenya region.
The by-election, widely viewed as the first direct political contest between President Ruto and his estranged former deputy ahead of the 2027 General Election, ended in a landslide that has reshaped the region's political landscape and intensified debate over the shifting balance of power in Kenya's most influential voting bloc.
Official results released by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) showed DCP candidate Waweru Douglas Kamau securing 35,440 votes against UDA's Samuel Muchina's 5,450. The remaining seven candidates attracted only a combined 426 votes, underlining the dominance of the two leading parties.
Ol Kalou Constituency, with 73,480 registered voters, recorded a voter turnout of 56.7 per cent. A total of 41,316 valid votes were cast, alongside 340 rejected ballots and 12 disputed votes.
Beyond delivering DCP its first parliamentary seat, the outcome offers the clearest indication yet that Gachagua continues to command substantial political influence in Mt Kenya despite his fallout with President Ruto. It also raises difficult questions for UDA over whether its grip on the region remains as firm as previously assumed.
The result is likely to embolden opposition forces seeking to build a united front against President Ruto in 2027, while strengthening Gachagua's bargaining power in ongoing political realignments.
Addressing jubilant supporters after his victory, Mr Kamau described his election as a triumph achieved "against all odds" and pledged to justify the confidence voters had placed in him.
"I have made it possible to become a Member of the National Parliament against all odds," he said, thanking his wife and family for standing by him throughout the campaign.
He reserved his strongest political message for Gachagua, declaring that the by-election had cemented the former Deputy President's status as the dominant political figure in the Mt Kenya 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.
The MP-elect promised to serve constituents faithfully and said he would remain accountable to the electorate.
"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.
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He also acknowledged the role played by DCP Secretary-General and Nyandarua Senator John Methu, Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia, party officials, volunteers and supporters who spearheaded the three-month campaign.
Even before the official declaration, Gachagua celebrated the outcome on his Facebook page, describing it as a historic milestone for the young party.
"You have won by a resounding margin, reflecting the unmistakable voice of the people," he wrote while congratulating Mr Kamau on becoming DCP's first Member of Parliament.
He thanked Ol Kalou voters for resisting what he described as political intimidation and inducements 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.
Gachagua further alleged that voters had remained steadfast despite police action during the campaign, thanking them for "guarding their vote" despite what he termed harassment by security officers.
The former Deputy President said the victory would strengthen his parliamentary influence.
"I have been struggling with 18 soldiers but with great results. Now I have 19. Things will be much better," he remarked.
The Ol Kalou by-election was triggered by the death of former MP David Kiaraho. Although only one parliamentary seat was being contested, the election evolved into a high-stakes political showdown that both DCP and UDA treated as a referendum on their popularity in Mt Kenya.
Whether the result marks the beginning of a lasting political realignment or proves to be a constituency-specific outcome will become clearer in the months ahead. What is beyond dispute, however, is that the Ol Kalou vote has injected fresh momentum into Gachagua's political movement while presenting President Ruto and UDA with an early warning as the race towards the 2027 General Election gathers pace.