NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua will on Friday lead senior Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) officials on a thank-you tour across Ol Kalou Constituency, a day after the party secured its first parliamentary seat in a decisive by-election victory.
The visit follows the declaration of Sammy Kamau Waweru as the winner of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, handing DCP a major political breakthrough since its formation.
According to the programme released by the party, Gachagua will be accompanied by Nyandarua Senator John Methu, Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia and the newly elected Ol Kalou MP Sammy Kamau Waweru as they tour all five wards in the constituency.
The leaders are scheduled to begin the tour at Ndundori Gwa Kiongo at 11 a.m. before heading to Ngorika at noon, Tumaini at 1 p.m., Ol Kalou town at 2 p.m. and concluding in Miharati town at 3 p.m.
The tour is aimed at expressing gratitude to residents for backing DCP in one of the country’s most closely watched parliamentary by-elections.
Official results released by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) showed Waweru won by a commanding margin after garnering more than 35,440 votes, defeating United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Samuel Muchina Nyagah, who polled about 5,450 votes.
The victory marks DCP’s first representation in the National Assembly and is widely seen as a significant political milestone for Gachagua, who personally spearheaded the party’s campaign in the constituency over the past three months.
Following the declaration of the results, Gachagua thanked the people of Ol Kalou for delivering what he described as a historic mandate for the party.
“I thank the great people of Ol Kalou for giving our party, DCP, its first Member of the National Assembly,” Gachagua said.
He also praised voters for safeguarding the integrity of the election and commended Senator John Methu and Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia for leading what he termed a successful grassroots campaign.
According to Gachagua, the victory has strengthened DCP’s position as it prepares for the 2027 General Election, with Waweru becoming the party’s inaugural Member of Parliament.
The Ol Kalou by-election attracted intense national attention, with both DCP and the ruling UDA deploying top political leaders to campaign for their respective candidates.
While government leaders highlighted ongoing development projects in the constituency, the opposition focused its campaign on the rising cost of living, economic hardships and the need for political change.
Although voting was largely peaceful, the exercise was marred by isolated incidents of violence in parts of Ol Kalou town, including attacks on journalists. The incidents drew condemnation from the Media Council of Kenya and the Kenya Union of Journalists.
Political analysts are expected to closely watch Friday’s thank-you tour, which comes as DCP seeks to consolidate its growing support in the Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 elections.
