Nyandarua Senator John Methu Muhia has credited former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for guiding the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) to victory in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, after the party’s candidate Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru (Ngotho) secured the seat.

Methu, who serves as DCP acting Secretary-General, congratulated Kamau in a series of posts on X on July 16, 2026, describing him as “my brother, my friend” and praising the campaign as one of the smoothest he had experienced.

“The people have spoken, unequivocally so. Go out and serve,” Methu said.

He thanked Ol Kalou residents for their support, saying their commitment to “mùtikwendia rùrìrì”, a call not to sell the community’s dignity, contributed to the party’s victory.

Methu also acknowledged Gachagua’s role in the campaign, thanking the former Deputy President for his guidance throughout the by-election.

“On behalf of the entire team, we are so grateful to our party leader H.E. @rigathi Gachagua… for his guidance throughout the entire by-election. We are proud to follow a brilliant leader, who has an answer to every political question,” Methu said.

The Ol Kalou by-election was triggered by the death of former MP David Njuguna Kiaraho in March 2026 and attracted nine candidates, although the contest narrowed to a battle between DCP’s Kamau and United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Samuel Muchina.

DCP victory boosts Methu’s leadership position

The win marked a major political test for Methu, who took charge of coordinating DCP’s campaign in Ol Kalou.

Methu cut short a London trip to lead the party’s mobilisation efforts, with the contest becoming a measure of his ability to deliver results after his appointment as acting Secretary-General.

DCP Deputy Leader Cleophas Malala had earlier said the outcome of the by-election would influence discussions around Methu’s substantive appointment.

The senator led grassroots campaigns across the constituency, with DCP holding rallies under the Mugumo tree and mobilising support alongside leaders including Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia, Cecil Kariuki, Peter Salasya and Newton Kharis.

The result gives DCP three “itungatis” against four “tukunias” in Nyandarua, a symbolic gain for the party as it seeks to expand its influence in the Mt Kenya region.

Political analyst Peter Kagwanja described the outcome as a significant moment ahead of the 2027 General Election, saying the by-election served as an early test of political strength between UDA and DCP.

UDA’s Muchina conceded after running a competitive campaign focused on local issues.

Ol Kalou vote sets stage for 2027 political contests

The by-election attracted reactions from leaders across the political divide, with DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa saying the result showed that “the ballot remains more powerful than intimidation, excessive force, or the politics of patronage.”

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka described the outcome as a significant statement ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki congratulated Kamau on his victory, urging him to unite residents and serve all constituents without discrimination. He also commended Muchina for running a mature campaign.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) said tallying and verification proceeded peacefully, while urging Kenyans to rely on official communication on the final results.

Kagwanja said the contest highlighted the growing rivalry between UDA and DCP in Mt Kenya politics, with both parties using the by-election to assess their support ahead of 2027.

For DCP, the Ol Kalou victory provides momentum as the party builds its national profile, while for Methu, the result strengthens his position within the party leadership.

Kamau now faces the task of delivering on his campaign promises as attention shifts from the by-election contest to governance and representation of Ol Kalou residents.