The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) has secured a commanding victory in the Ol Kalou Ward by-election, dealing a significant political setback to the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
According to the official results released by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), DCP candidate Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru garnered 35,440 votes to defeat UDA’s Samuel Muchina Nyagah, who received 5,450 votes.
Waweru’s victory came by a margin of 29,990 votes, making it one of the most decisive by-election wins in recent years.
The contest attracted national attention, with senior political leaders from both camps actively campaigning in the constituency ahead of polling day.
During the campaign period, there were widespread allegations and reports of voter inducement, including the distribution of household items and other incentives by rival political camps. While these claims featured prominently in public debate and on social media, they remain politically contested and were not officially established as factors determining the election outcome.
A phrase that gained traction during the campaign was “Kula sherehe, kura DCP” (Enjoy the handouts but vote DCP), reflecting a sentiment expressed by some voters online and in political discussions. Although widely circulated, the slogan should not be interpreted as representing the views or actions of all voters.
The outcome is expected to fuel political debate over the ruling party’s support in the Mount Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election. Political observers are likely to interpret the result as a significant boost for DCP while raising fresh questions about UDA’s standing in one of Kenya’s most influential voting blocs.
According to the IEBC, 73,480 voters were registered in the ward, with 41,656 votes cast, translating to a voter turnout of approximately 57 percent.
While the result is likely to shape the country’s political discourse in the coming months, its broader implications for the 2027 elections will depend on whether similar trends emerge in future by-elections and national political developments.
