Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has thrown his weight behind Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru Ngotho ahead of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, urging residents to rally behind him as campaigns officially come to an end.

Speaking through his X account on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, Salasya declared that DCP’s candidate was the only choice for voters in the closely watched mini-poll.

“People of Ol Kalou, you have only one option and the option is Sammy Douglas Waweru Kamau,” Salasya posted while appearing alongside Nyandarua Woman Representative aspirant Nyokabi.

The endorsement comes as the constituency enters the mandatory campaign silence period ahead of Thursday’s poll, with the race shaping up into a key contest between the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Rigathi Gachagua’s DCP.

National leaders join Ol Kalou battle

The Ol Kalou contest has drawn politicians from across the country, turning what is ordinarily a constituency by-election into a national political contest.

Salasya’s endorsement adds to the growing list of opposition leaders who have campaigned for Ngotho, with the outcome expected to provide an early indication of political realignments in the Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election.

DCP backed Ngotho from nomination

DCP has consistently demonstrated confidence in Ngotho’s candidature since the nomination stage.

In May, senior party leaders, including Nyandarua Senator John Methu, Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara and Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia, escorted him to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) offices for clearance.

At the time, Jayne Kihara declared:

“Ol Kalou, here we come. Today we present our DCP candidate, Sammy Douglas Kamau Ngotho, to IEBC for clearance.”

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also urged supporters to mobilise resources for Ngotho’s campaign and tasked Methu with ensuring DCP captures the parliamentary seat.

Confidence remains high ahead of vote

As campaigns ended, Ngotho maintained that the electorate had already made its decision.”The great people of Ol Kalou have made up their minds about the kind of leadership they want beginning on July 16. No amount of intimidation or tokenism will shake their resolve to secure a better tomorrow. Change is coming soon,” he said.

Nyandarua Senator John Methu echoed the confidence, saying the constituency was ready to elect the DCP candidate.

The July 16 by-election will fill the seat left vacant following the death of former MP David Kiaraho. A total of 73,480 registered voters are expected to vote across 144 polling stations, with the outcome likely to serve as one of the earliest political indicators ahead of the 2027 General Election.