Why the Ol Kalou by-election is Methu’s biggest test as DCP secretary-general
By Mabonga Makhanu, July 15, 2026The Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, scheduled for July 16, 2026, is shaping up to be the biggest political test yet for Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) acting Secretary-General John Methu.
Having been handed the influential position at the height of the campaign period, Methu has effectively turned the contest into his first major assignment in the party, with both allies and rivals closely watching whether he can deliver victory for DCP candidate Sammy Kamau Ngotho.
Methu’s appointment came as he was forced to cut short his London tour, where he had travelled to prepare for party leader Rigathi Gachagua’s planned visit to the United Kingdom.
Although he was unveiled as the party’s secretary-general-designate, he technically remains a member of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), having been elected on the ruling party’s ticket and not yet formally resigning.
His victory will determine whether they will fully confirm him as the DCP sec general.
Malala’s remarks
The stakes have been raised further by DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala, who has publicly declared that a victory in Ol Kalou would amount to a vote of confidence in Methu’s leadership and strengthen the case for his confirmation as the party’s substantive secretary-general.
The outspoken DCP deputy party leader stated that Methu, who is currently holding the secretary-general position in an acting capacity, must prove his ability by delivering the party’s first major assignment.
According to Malala, if Methu fails to ensure that DCP wins the Ol Kalou by-election, the party could review his status and may not proceed with confirming him as the substantive secretary-general.
“We have given Methu a very big assignment — to deliver the Ol Kalou by-election. That is a major test for him. If he delivers, we will have every confidence in confirming him as the secretary-general,” he said.
“However, if he fails to deliver, we will have to review the arrangement because we gave him the responsibility of ensuring that DCP wins the Ol Kalou by-election.”
He further stated that it is upon the Nyandarua senator to demonstrate that he is capable of permanently holding the influential position by successfully leading the party’s campaign in the mini-poll.
Ol Kalou by-election campaigns
Since assuming the role, Methu has made Ol Kalou the centre of his political activities.
Until campaigns officially ended on Monday, July 13, 2026, the outspoken Nyandarua senator had traversed every corner of the constituency, urging residents to back Sammy Kamau Ngotho despite intense competition from the Kenya Kwanza administration, which deployed senior leaders and government machinery to campaign for UDA candidate Samuel Muchina.
Mugumo tree campaigns
Methu anchored much of his campaign under the now-famous Mugumo tree, where DCP’s green colours dominated political rallies. He was joined by Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia and former Water Cabinet Secretary Cecil Kariuki, who is seeking the Nyandarua governorship on a DCP ticket.