Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has hailed the election of Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru as the Member of Parliament for Ol Kalou Constituency, describing the victory as a historic milestone for the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) and a clear expression of the people’s will.

In a statement on Thursday, July 16, 2026, Gachagua congratulated Kamau and thanked voters for handing the party its first seat in the National Assembly.

“Congratulations, Hon. Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru, on your historic election as the Member of Parliament for Ol Kalou Constituency. You have won by a resounding margin, reflecting the unmistakable voice of the people,” Gachagua said.

The former deputy president described the outcome as a significant achievement for the opposition outfit, which he leads, saying it marked the party’s entry into Parliament.

“To the great people of Ol Kalou, thank you for giving our party, DCP, its first Member of the National Assembly,” he said.

Gachagua also commended voters for what he described as resisting attempts to influence the outcome of the poll.

“Thank you, my great people, for refusing to sell your birthright and for being wise enough not to fall for the deception of development projects,” he said.

He further alleged that the by-election was marred by intimidation, accusing some police officers of using force against voters.

“Thank you a million times for guarding your vote and for standing firm despite the actions of rogue police officers armed with guns and tear gas,” he claimed.

Gachagua said the victory had strengthened the opposition’s presence, using a military analogy to describe the addition of another elected leader to its ranks.

“I have been struggling with 18 soldiers but with great results; now I have 19, things will be much better,” he said.

He also thanked campaign leaders, including Nyandarua Senator John Methu and Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia, as well as allied legislators, campaign teams, volunteers and party supporters for their role in securing the win.

“I salute our campaign leaders, Hon. John Methu Gitungati and Hon. Wanjiku Muhia Ngatha, for their outstanding leadership and guidance throughout the three-month campaign,” he said.

Gachagua announced that he would tour all five wards of Ol Kalou the following day to personally thank residents for their support.

“Tomorrow morning, I will visit all the five wards to personally thank the people of Ol Kalou. I have been so directed by the community,” he said.

Addressing Kamau, Gachagua urged him to focus on serving constituents diligently.

“Hon. Kamau, please go and serve your people diligently, and represent them well,” he said.

The Ol Kalou by-election attracted national attention, with both the Kenya Kwanza coalition and the opposition viewing it as an important political contest ahead of the 2027 General Election.

While opposition leaders have celebrated the result as evidence of shifting political support, leaders allied to President William Ruto have maintained that the overall by-election outcomes continue to favour the ruling United Democratic Alliance and its broad-based government partners.