OL KALOU, Kenya- Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has declared the party’s campaigns for the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election officially over, expressing confidence that its candidate, Sammy Kamau Waweru, will emerge victorious in Thursday’s vote.
In a statement issued after campaigns closed on Monday evening, Gachagua thanked residents of Ol Kalou for what he described as peaceful campaigns and urged them to turn out in large numbers to vote for the DCP candidate on July 16.
“I request you all to turn up in large numbers and vote for our candidate Sammy Kamau Waweru on the DCP Party ticket,” Gachagua said.
The former Deputy President claimed residents had resisted attempts to influence their votes through bribery and urged them to remain steadfast when they cast their ballots.
He also appealed for calm ahead of polling day, urging supporters not to respond to any provocation.
“I urge you to maintain peace and exercise restraint. Do not react to provocation by state-sponsored goons and rogue police officers,” he said.
In his statement, Gachagua used the term “Kasongo hotels”—a phrase he has repeatedly employed in his political rhetoric—to announce that they were “officially shut,” referring symbolically to what he described as the end of rival political operations in Ol Kalou following the close of campaigns.
The DCP leader thanked the party’s campaign team, led by Nyandarua Senator John Methu and Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia, as well as volunteers, elected leaders and supporters whom he credited with running what he described as a vigorous but peaceful campaign.
He also praised DCP candidate Sammy Kamau Waweru for his resilience during the campaign and thanked residents for maintaining peace throughout the election period.
Gachagua said he would be watching events from his Wamunyoro home and expressed confidence that the DCP would celebrate victory after the declaration of results.
The Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election has attracted national political attention, with the seat emerging as a key battleground between the Kenya Kwanza alliance and the opposition-backed DCP.
The campaign period was marked by allegations of voter bribery, political violence, intimidation and breaches of the Electoral Code of Conduct, prompting repeated warnings from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).
Campaigns officially ended at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, ushering in the mandatory 48-hour campaign silence ahead of polling on Thursday, July 16. Voters will elect a new Member of Parliament to succeed the late David Kiaraho.