OL KALOU, Nyandarua- Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has made an emotional appeal to Ol Kalou residents to turn out in large numbers and vote in the constituency’s high-stakes parliamentary by-election, describing the poll as a chance to “restore the dignity” of the people.
In a lengthy message issued on Thursday morning as voting got underway, Gachagua invoked the legacy of the late JM Kariuki and Mau Mau freedom fighters led by Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi, urging residents to draw inspiration from their struggle as they headed to polling stations.
“My good people of Ol Kalou, the land of the late JM Kariuki… cast your eyes early this morning to the Aberdares Forest, where Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi led the armed struggle against the British colonialists who had taken our land and our freedom,” Gachagua said.
The former Deputy President called on voters to reject inducements and remain steadfast in exercising their democratic right.
“We are priceless and will never sell our birthright to anyone, no matter the price. You have withstood intimidation and remain fearless. I am extremely proud to be your leader,” he said.
Gachagua praised the large number of voters who had queued at polling stations from early morning, urging those yet to vote to do so before 11 a.m.
“Continue flowing to the polling stations as you have done early this morning and affirm our dignity and pride,” he appealed.
He also encouraged young people to escort elderly voters to polling stations, describing it as their responsibility to protect and support their parents and senior citizens.
“To our young men, thank you for waking up early to protect and escort your parents and your parents’ age mates to go and vote. That is your cardinal duty in our society,” he said.
The DCP leader further urged supporters to remain vigilant after voting, saying younger residents should stay behind while older voters return home after casting their ballots.
“As our mothers and the elderly go back home to wait for the declaration of victory, the young and strong will remain behind, vigilant and alert, to make sure the will of the people is safeguarded,” he stated.
Gachagua also said he had received messages of support for Ol Kalou residents from people across the Mount Kenya region and other parts of the country, including Kiambu, Murang’a, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Embu, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Laikipia, Nakuru, Narok, Kitale and Nairobi.
According to Gachagua, those supporters were encouraged by reports of long queues and high voter turnout in the constituency.
“They trust you will restore their pride and dignity as a people. They are, so far, very encouraged by the long queues and the very high voter turnout,” he said.
The Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election has emerged as one of Kenya’s most closely watched political contests, with the outcome expected to provide an early indication of the balance of political influence in the Mount Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Thousands of voters turned out from as early as 6 a.m. to cast their ballots, with long queues reported at several polling stations across the constituency as voting continued under the supervision of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).