Former Deputy President and Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) party leader Rigathi Gachagua has ruled out backroom political deals in the upcoming Ol Kalou by-election, insisting that the DCP party candidate will be chosen directly by voters and not through private negotiations.

In a statement shared on X on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, Gachagua said the party had met aspirants seeking the DCP ticket and agreed on a clear nomination process ahead of the by-election scheduled for July 16, 2026.

Gachagua added that the meeting brought together the Chairperson of the National Election Board, senior party officials, and all interested aspirants to review the nomination plan and ensure transparency before the May 9, 2026, party primaries.

“This morning, I met with aspirants seeking to fly the DCP PARTY flag in the upcoming Olkalou by-election scheduled for July 16, 2026. Together with the Chairperson of the National Election Board and other senior party officials, we have reviewed and affirmed the process that will guide the party nominations set for May 9, 2026,” Gachagua added.

Gachagua explained that the aspirants were satisfied with the arrangements already put in place and had agreed to support a peaceful, fair, and credible nomination exercise without unnecessary conflict or division.

“The aspirants have expressed satisfaction with the arrangements in place and have committed to a free, fair, and credible nomination exercise. They have further agreed to respect the outcome and rally behind the eventual winner,” Gachagua wrote.

Former DP went on to strongly dismiss any suggestion of consensus arrangements or boardroom decisions, saying the party leadership would not impose a candidate and that the final decision would rest fully with the people of Ol Kalou.

“The decision on who will carry the party flag will be made solely by the people of Olkalou. There will be no consensus arrangements or boardroom decisions. This choice belongs to the voters,” he wrote.

He urged residents to come out in large numbers during the nominations, saying the person chosen by the voters would eventually represent the party in the by-election and could become the next Member of Parliament.

“I call upon the people of Ol Kalou to turn out in large numbers on May 9th 2026, and elect the DCP candidate, bearing in mind that this decision will ultimately determine their next Member of Parliament from our great party,” he wrote.

Gachagua also called on all the nine aspirants to conduct themselves with respect and maturity during the campaigns, saying discipline and unity would be important in keeping the party strong after the nominations.

“I also urge all nine aspirants, namely, Wakili Kiragu Wathuta, Isaac Ndirangu, Kevin Ndungu Waweru, James Waithaka Kariuki, Stephen Kimani Muturi, Peter Mwangi Karanja, Paul Waiganjo, Kamau Ngotho, and Gabriel Gatinu Wambui to conduct their campaigns with respect, discipline, and decorum, knowing that whoever emerges victorious will carry the collective strength and support of the rest,” he stated.

He expressed hope that the strongest and most suitable candidate would emerge from the exercise and go on to win the parliamentary seat for the party.

“May the most suitable candidate emerge as the winner and the next Member of Parliament. God bless the great people of Olkalou,” Gachagua concluded.