Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) National Organising Secretary Mithika Linturi has backed former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s claims of voter bribery ahead of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election in Nyandarua County, accusing the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) of attempts to influence the electoral outcome.

In a statement on Friday, July 10, 2026, Linturi said he supports Gachagua’s position against what he described as daylight voter bribery he claims is being carried out by UDA actors in the race for the Ol Kalou MP seat, warning that DCP would resist any attempts to undermine a free and fair election.

“As the National Organizing Secretary of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), I fully support Rigathi’s firm stance against the daylight voter bribery being perpetrated by our opponents in the UDA party in Ol Kalou,” Linturi said.

The remarks come as political campaigns intensify ahead of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, a contest that has attracted national attention due to the rivalry between DCP and UDA and its wider implications for political influence in Central Kenya.

Linturi further claimed that government machinery could be used to interfere with the electoral process, insisting that the will of Ol Kalou voters must be protected.

“We will not tolerate any attempts by the government machinery to rig the upcoming elections,” he said.

The DCP official called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to uphold its constitutional mandate and ensure that the Ol Kalou by-election is conducted in a transparent, credible and peaceful manner.

He urged the electoral commission to investigate allegations of voter bribery and violence, saying decisive action should be taken against any individuals found violating election laws.

“We call upon the IEBC to diligently execute its mandate by ensuring a free, fair and credible electoral process. The IEBC must take decisive action against UDA individuals and agents involved in bribery and violence,” Linturi stated.

DCP has expressed confidence in its candidate, Kamau, with Linturi describing him as the incoming Member of Parliament for Ol Kalou. The party has urged residents of Ol Kalou town and the wider Nyandarua County electorate to participate in the election without fear or intimidation.

“We remain steadfast in our support for our candidate, the incoming Member of Parliament for Ol Kalou, Hon. Kamau,” Linturi said.

Addressing voters in Nyandarua County, Linturi urged residents to reject political pressure and make their decision based on their democratic rights rather than financial incentives.

“To the people of Ol Kalou, I urge you not to be intimidated by the government machinery. In just a few days, DCP will secure this seat through the power of your votes. Together, let us defend democracy and deliver victory for the people,” he added.

The Ol Kalou by-election has become a closely watched political contest in Central Kenya, with both DCP and UDA seeking to strengthen their support base in the region. The outcome is expected to indicate voter sentiment as political parties position themselves for future national contests.

Gachagua’s claims

Gachagua had claimed that President William Ruto has poured more than Ksh1 billion into the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election campaign, claiming the constituency has been flooded with cash ahead of the July 16 mini-poll.

Speaking on Friday, July 3, 2026, at his Wamunyoro home in Nyeri during a consultative meeting with leaders from Narok County, Gachagua claimed the ruling Kenya Kwanza administration was using massive financial resources to influence voters in what has emerged as one of the country’s most closely watched by-elections.

“William Ruto amemwaga pesa hapo Ol Kalou Ksh1 billion. Pale hakuna hata change ya elfu moja. Ukinunua chai unalipa na elfu hata kama chai ni ya mia moja; hakuna change. Unaambiwa, ‘Na ujue hapa hakuna change’. Pale pesa inatumika ni elfu moja,” Gachagua claimed.

The DCP leader went on to claim that the influx of money had transformed the local economy, attracting traders and workers from neighbouring counties.

“Hata watu wanauliza ati si uchaguzi isongeshwe iende mpaka December. Sasa mpaka imefika pahali ile constituency jirani wanaanza kusema, ‘Si Mungu atusaidie huyu mheshimiwa wetu; amchukue ndio Ruto amwage huku pesa. Kwa sababu ile pesa iko Ol Kalou, watu wametoka Nakuru wamekomboa manyumba. Wengine wametoka Nyahururu. Kila siku vijana wanatoka wanazunguka na bodaboda, kila siku jioni wanatengeneza elfu tano,” he said.

Despite the said spending, Gachagua claimed voters would ultimately reject President Ruto’s preferred candidate.

“Sasa pale lugha ni moja, huyu Ruto tulimchagua 2022 na hakupatia sisi chochote, nafasi imepatikana arudishe mkono. Wanakula pesa yake lakini kura ikipigwa atashangaa,” Gachagua said.

As the Ol Kalou parliamentary race enters its final phase, attention remains on campaign conduct, voter participation and the ability of election officials to deliver a peaceful and credible by-election in Nyandarua County.