The leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), Rigathi Gachagua, has affirmed that the party will conduct open and competitive nominations ahead of the upcoming Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election set for July 16, 2026.
In a statement following a meeting with aspirants seeking the party’s ticket, Gachagua said the DCP had reviewed and approved the nomination framework that will guide the internal exercise scheduled for May 9, 2026.
The meeting, held alongside the Chairperson of the party’s National Elections Board and senior officials, brought together nine aspirants eyeing the ticket, including Wakili Kiragu Wathuta, Isaac Ndirangu, Kevin Ndungu Waweru, James Waithaka Kariuki, Stephen Kimani Muturi, Peter Mwangi Karanja, Paul Waiganjo, Kamau Ngotho, and Gabriel Gatinu Wambui.
Gachagua said the aspirants had agreed to participate in a free, fair and credible nomination process and to accept the outcome, pledging unity after the exercise.
“The aspirants have expressed satisfaction with the arrangements in place and have committed to a free, fair, and credible nomination exercise. They have further agreed to respect the outcome and rally behind the eventual winner,” he said.
No Consensus, Only the Ballot
The DCP leader emphasised that the party would not rely on consensus or “boardroom decisions,” insisting that the final decision would be made directly by voters in Ol Kalou.
“The decision on who will carry the party flag will be made solely by the people of Ol Kalou. There will be no consensus arrangements or boardroom decisions,” he stated.
He urged residents of Ol Kalou to turn out in large numbers for the party primaries, saying the exercise would determine the candidate who will ultimately represent the party in Parliament.
Call for Unity
Gachagua also appealed for calm and discipline among the aspirants as the campaign period begins, urging them to maintain respect and decorum.
“I also urge all nine aspirants to conduct their campaigns with respect, discipline, and decorum, knowing that whoever emerges victorious will carry the collective strength and support of the rest,” he said.
He added that unity after the nominations would be crucial for strengthening the party’s chances in the by-election.
The Ol Kalou by-election is expected to be closely watched as parties position themselves for influence in the vote-rich region. The DCP says its commitment to democratic nominations is aimed at strengthening internal cohesion and public trust ahead of the polls.
Gachagua concluded by expressing optimism that the process would produce a strong candidate capable of representing the party in Parliament, calling for peaceful and issue-based campaigns as the race intensifies.
