By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, 16 July 2026 - Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua on Thursday made an emotional final appeal to Ol Kalou voters, urging them to turn out in large numbers and vote for his party's candidate in a by-election widely viewed as the first major political showdown ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In a message issued as polling got underway, Gachagua invoked the legacy of freedom fighters Dedan Kimathi and JM Kariuki, telling residents they had a historic opportunity to "restore the dignity" of the Mt Kenya region through the ballot.
"My good people of Ol Kalou, the land of the late JM Kariuki, cast your eyes to the Aberdares where Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi led the armed struggle for our freedom," Gachagua said.
"As the descendants of the Mau Mau fighters, restore the dignity of our people. Continue flowing to the polling stations and affirm our dignity and pride. We are priceless and will never sell our birthright to anyone, no matter the price."
The former Deputy President praised residents for 'defying' what he described as intimidation and singled out young people for escorting elderly voters to polling stations.
"To our young men, thank you for waking up early to protect and escort your parents to vote. That is your cardinal duty," he said.
He urged supporters to cast their ballots before 11 a.m., saying younger voters should remain vigilant after voting to safeguard the integrity of the exercise.
"As I pray facing Mt Kenya this morning, I am excited that the dignity of my people will be restored before the sun sets," he added.
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Gachagua also conveyed solidarity messages from supporters across Kiambu, Murang'a, Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Embu, Meru, Tharaka-Nithi, Laikipia, Nakuru and other parts of the country, saying they were closely following the outcome of the contest.
The DCP leader is backing Sammy Douglas Kamau Ngotho against President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Samuel Muchina Nyagah in a race that has attracted national political interest.
Thousands of voters streamed into polling stations from early morning, with long queues witnessed in several centres as security personnel maintained a heavy presence across the constituency.
Political observers are treating the by-election as a crucial test of influence between President Ruto and Gachagua in the Mt Kenya region, with the outcome expected to shape political momentum heading into the 2027 General Election.
Seven candidates are contesting the parliamentary seat left vacant following the death of MP David Kiaraho. Besides UDA's Samuel Muchina Nyagah and DCP's Sammy Douglas Kamau Ngotho, the race features Wilson Kigwa (Jubilee), Rachel Wangui Njoroge (People's Democratic Party), Edward Mathenge (Independent), Stephen Wanyoike Waithaka (National Liberal Party) and Edwin Kariiri Muchiri (PNU).