Democracy for the Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua has rejected the possibility of a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) victory in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.

Gachagua told the media on Thursday, July 16, 2026, that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission should either declare DCP candidate Sammy Kamau Ngotho the winner or cancel the election.

“It is not possible. The people of Ol Kalou have said that the winner of this election must be announced,” Gachagua said.

“They will either declare the winner of this election, who is Kamau Ngotho of DCP, or cancel the election.”

IEBC had not announced the official results when Gachagua made the remarks.

Ruto criticised

The former deputy president accused President William Ruto of being desperate to secure the seat for the ruling party.

“What kind of impunity is this? William Ruto, just how desperate are you to win this Ol Kalou seat?” Gachagua asked.

“Even if you stole this election, the people of Ol Kalou and this Mt Kenya region will not accept you. What you have done today has gone beyond limits.”

Gachagua said he had expected the government to allow Ol Kalou residents to elect their preferred MP without interference.

“You know, I had thought that maybe you would allow the people of Ol Kalou to elect their leader,” he said.

The DCP leader did not present evidence directly linking Ruto to interference in voting or vote counting.

Counting concerns

Gachagua questioned reported disruptions as voting moved towards counting and tallying.

“Why don’t you want the votes to be counted? Why do you want to stop the counting of votes?” he asked.

“Why do you want to kill people? These people made you President.”

He also referred to money reportedly spent on projects and political mobilisation in the constituency.

“After spending close to KSh16 billion, don’t you have confidence in your money?” Gachagua asked.

He did not provide documents showing how the KSh16 billion figure was calculated.

Kanja targeted

Gachagua also asked Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to resign, accusing unnamed State officials of bypassing him in directing police operations.

“Douglas Kanja, what are you waiting for? Just resign and come back home,” he said.

“The President, with his tribesmen, is running the police force behind you.”

Gachagua did not provide evidence that Ruto or other officials had taken direct control of police operations in Ol Kalou.

The Presidency, National Police Service and IEBC had not publicly responded to the statements by the time of publication.

The closely watched contest featured nine candidates, including DCP’s Kamau Ngotho and UDA’s Samuel Muchina Nyagah.