NAIROBI, Kenya- The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) suffered a crushing defeat in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election after a campaign marked by multiple political missteps, but one moment became a defining flashpoint: former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria’s description of DCP candidate Sammy Kamau Waweru as a “chokora”.
The remark triggered widespread backlash among DCP supporters, who turned the statement into a campaign message and used it to rally voters around their candidate.
DCP leaders framed the comment as disrespectful, while supporters launched symbolic initiatives, including a fundraising drive where thousands contributed small amounts towards buying a suit for the candidate ahead of his expected swearing-in.
Although analysts and political actors point to multiple factors behind UDA’s defeat, the controversy surrounding Kuria’s remarks became one of the most discussed moments of the campaign.
A Campaign Defined by Contrasts
The Ol Kalou contest developed into a battle between two contrasting campaign approaches.
DCP ran a grassroots-driven campaign, relying heavily on local mobilisation, volunteer networks and small contributions from supporters.
UDA, on the other hand, mounted a high-powered campaign backed by senior government officials and significant state presence, with Cabinet Secretaries and other senior leaders visiting the constituency during the campaign period.
The contest ended with DCP candidate Sammy Kamau Waweru securing 35,440 votes, while UDA’s Samuel Muchina Nyagah received 5,450 votes, according to results announced by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Handouts Versus Political Message
During the campaign period, UDA rolled out an extensive mobilisation effort that included public events, government project launches and distribution of various items.
Among the initiatives highlighted during the campaign were the revival of the Nairobi-Nanyuki passenger train service, construction and commissioning of projects, distribution of subsidised gas cylinders, mattresses and other items.
However, the political messaging around these interventions became a subject of debate, with DCP accusing the ruling party of attempting to influence voters through material benefits.
DCP leaders instead promoted a narrative centred on grassroots ownership of their campaign, with supporters highlighting small individual contributions as evidence of local backing.
A fundraising effort involving contributions of Sh10 each towards a suit for the candidate gained attention during the campaign.
The ‘Chokora’ Wave
The controversy surrounding Kuria’s remarks became a rallying point for DCP supporters.
Senator John Methu, who played a key role in DCP’s campaign, said thousands of supporters responded by contributing towards the candidate’s suit after the remarks.
“Moses Kuria called him a chokoraa, and the people have decided to make lemonade out of the lemon,” Methu said.
The issue dominated conversations around the contest, with DCP using it to reinforce its message that voters deserved respect from political leaders.
State Power Fails to Deliver Victory
Despite the extensive campaign machinery deployed by UDA, the ruling party failed to translate its political advantage into votes.
The result handed DCP a decisive victory, with Waweru winning by nearly 30,000 votes and delivering a major setback to UDA in a constituency that had attracted national attention.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who was involved in coordinating the government’s campaign efforts, acknowledged the need for reflection after the loss.
“Back to the drawing board,” Kindiki said after the results were announced.
The Ol Kalou result has since triggered debate within UDA over its approach in Mt Kenya, while DCP has used the victory as evidence of its growing grassroots support in the region.