Ol Kalou MP-elect Sammy Ngotho has attributed his by-election victory to a combination of strategic planning, public trust and what he described as voters’ determination to reject inducements during the campaign.

Speaking to a local television station on Sunday, July 19, 2026, Ngotho said he entered the race confident of victory after opinion polling conducted following the death of the area’s former MP showed him as the frontrunner.

“Elections are very scientific. When our MP passed on, there was a poll conducted by the government, and it placed me at the front. I knew with the right strategy, I was poised for a win,” he said.

The legislator said the outcome demonstrated that voters prioritised credibility and leadership over campaign spending.

“There are four things that cannot be bought with money: trust, patience, time, and a resident of Ol Kalou. People could see that these people were not genuine in whatever they were doing. People need genuine leaders, people who will promise and deliver,” Ngotho said.

Ngotho also described the contest as one of the toughest political battles he has faced, claiming he was up against the full weight of government-backed campaign efforts.

“It wasn’t easy; we thank God. It was such a tough moment, campaigning against the government that brought all its machinery to the ground,” he said.

He thanked the electorate for what he termed a decisive stand despite intense campaigning by his opponents.

“First and foremost is to thank God for the victorious win and also the people of Ol Kalou for making that firm decision against all those goodies that came to Ol Kalou,” he said.

The MP said his focus would now shift from the campaign trail to fulfilling the promises he made to constituents, expressing confidence that residents expect leaders who deliver on their commitments.