Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) Emurua Dikirr candidate Vincent Rotich, who emerged second during the recent by-election, has held a thanksgiving event.

The event was held at Chebunge Grounds, where thousands of his supporters turned up to celebrate the impressive 10,760 votes that he garnered in the recent mini-polls. He was defeated by his United Democratic Alliance (UDA) counterpart David Keter alias Dollarline.

The event was painted green as his supporters donned DCP regalia to show the party’s dominance in the constituency, which had been led by the late Johanna Ngeno since the inception of the constituency in 2013. Earlier on, he had also invited his competitors in the mini-polls to attend the event, but they did not show up.

 DCP campaigns

This came after the hotly contested by-election, which saw the UDA party carry the day after DCP carried out spirited campaigns in the area, with some campaigns stretching late into the night as he drew huge crowds in a region regarded as a UDA stronghold.

Following his defeat, the candidate took to his social media handles to concede defeat and wish the winner good luck as he takes over the leadership of the constituency.

His party leader, Rigathi Gachagua, after the results, came out to celebrate Rotich’s outcome, saying that it has reshaped South Rift politics

Gachagua’s remarks

He said the performance reflected growing political awareness among voters and demonstrated that new political movements were gaining traction even in areas long considered strongholds of established parties.

“Congratulations to the DCP PARTY candidate in the Emurua Dikkir by-election, Hon. Vincent Rotich, for the splendid performance that has shaken South Rift politics, which for far too long, in fact for over 60 years, has been left behind in independent Kenya. A score of 10,760 votes is no mean feat,” Gachagua said.

“Congratulations to your team of campaigners and most notably the women who campaigned for you at night and odd hours. Kenya remains hopeful and greatly indebted to you and greatly hopes for a better future.”

Gachagua further noted that the result showed progress for the DCP party in building its presence in Rift Valley politics, adding that the campaign had been driven by dedicated supporters and campaigners who worked tirelessly throughout the election period.