EMBU, Kenya – Business activities in Embu Town were disrupted on Friday morning after hundreds of youths and boda boda operators staged celebrations following the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) victory in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.
The jubilant supporters marched through major streets and sections of the busy Embu–Meru Highway, waving party colours, singing victory songs and hooting as they celebrated DCP’s first National Assembly seat.
The procession brought traffic to a near standstill, forcing motorists to endure long delays while businesses experienced interruptions as crowds gathered across the town.
The celebrations followed Thursday’s by-election, where DCP candidate Sammy Douglas Kamau Ngotho secured a landslide victory after garnering 35,440 votes, comfortably defeating United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Samuel Muchina Nyagah, who received 5,450 votes.
The outcome has drawn national political attention, with analysts describing it as a significant boost for former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, whose DCP party has now secured its maiden seat in the National Assembly.
Leading the celebrations was Embu politician and youth leader James Ireri, popularly known as “Soldier”, who hailed Ol Kalou voters for what he described as their resolve to protect their democratic rights despite alleged intimidation during the campaign period.
Ireri claimed the election demonstrated the electorate’s determination to defend their vote, saying residents remained firm despite what he alleged were threats and harassment.
He further alleged that similar incidents occurred during the Mbeere North by-election last year, claiming opposition supporters faced intimidation from hooded armed police officers, which he argued affected the outcome.
According to Ireri, the Ol Kalou victory reflects DCP’s growing popularity, particularly in the Mt Kenya region, and signals increasing political momentum ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He expressed confidence that the party would win more elective positions, including seats for Members of County Assembly, Members of Parliament, governors, senators and women representatives if the trend continues.
Ireri also urged Mt Kenya leaders to remain united, accusing Public Works and Human Capital Development Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku of fueling political divisions in the region.
He further criticised what he termed as ethnic profiling and divisive political rhetoric allegedly promoted by some Cabinet Secretaries serving in President William Ruto’s administration.
During the celebrations, some youths also criticised Embu Governor and UDA National Chairperson Cecily Mbarire, accusing her administration of failing to deliver on key development promises made during the 2022 General Election campaigns.
Despite causing heavy traffic congestion in Embu Town, the celebrations remained peaceful, with no major security incidents reported.