The triumph of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election has changed the political dynamics in Nyandarua and put the political future of Governor Kiarie Badilisha back on the agenda.

The governor has been a member of the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), but comments he made just before the residents of Ol Kalou went to vote have again come under the spotlight following DCP’s resounding victory, with some suggesting they indicated a political redirection in the county.

Governor’s pre-election message

In a pre-election address to residents, Governor Badilisha called on them to ensure peace and respect the democratic process because “the people have already made their choice”.

“You have spoken and have maintained peace. You have made your decisions. I don’t want to talk about your decision because I know you have already made it. Moving forward, I want to tell you that the green colour symbolises wealth,” Kiarie said.

The governor said nothing about a political party or a political candidate. But as he mentioned the colour green, it immediately got political heat, as the colour is the official colour of DCP, the party of former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua.

The governor’s vision of green was wealth and prosperity at first glance. However, the comments came on the heels of a hotly contested by-election where the DCP was pounding the drum of the same colour.

How Ol Kalou changes the political conversation

The Ol Kalou by-election turned into more than just a race for a new Member of Parliament. It became a political duel between President William Ruto’s UDA and Gachagua’s DCP, with both sides seeing the election as a litmus test of the political muscle in the Mt Kenya region.

The overwhelming win has bolstered confidence that DCP is fast consolidating its influence in Nyandarua and in Mt Kenya as a whole and is now reopening the debate on how the party’s leaders will manoeuvre their way to the front of the queue ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Could Badilisha be reading the political mood?

Governor Badilisha has yet to announce that he will leave UDA or join DCP. His words to the residents were focused on peace, the respect of voters’ will and the use of green as a sign of wealth.

But, since DCP’s successful win, his comments have gained new political weight. Meaningful symbols can play as much a part in Kenyan politics as actual political statements, especially at election time. Previously, leaders have employed well-planned messages to determine public opinion prior to making significant political decisions.

Badilisha may have been a statement of optimism about the good times ahead or a subtle hint at the political wind in the region. The DCP win has put the spotlight on all political cues emanating from influential Nyandarua leaders.

Looking ahead

So far, Gov. Badilisha is steadfastly committed to UDA, and there haven’t been any reports of an official change of party affiliation. However, the results in the Ol Kalou by-election have changed the political calculations in Nyandarua.

The governor’s pre-election remarks about the “green” colour may continue to be part of the political discourse as DCP’s support gets strengthened in the Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 general election.