NAIROBI, Kenya — Ol Kalou Member of Parliament-elect Sammy Douglas Waweru Kamau travelled to Parliament aboard a public service matatu on Tuesday as he headed for his swearing-in ceremony, sharing the journey with Kenyans on social media.
The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) legislator posted photos and videos of the trip, thanking God and the people of Ol Kalou for entrusting him with the parliamentary seat.
“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24. On our way to Parliament for the swearing-in ceremony. Grateful to God and the people of Ol Kalou for this honour,” Kamau wrote on X.
Landslide Victory in Ol Kalou By-Election
Kamau was elected Member of Parliament after securing a commanding victory in one of Kenya’s most closely watched by-elections.
Official results announced by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) showed the DCP candidate garnered 35,440 votes, comfortably defeating United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Samuel Muchina Nyagah, who received 5,450 votes.
Seven other candidates shared the remaining votes: Abdifatah Hussein Abdallah (FPK) 19, Timothy Kariuki (PPM) 51, Wilson Mwaniki (Jubilee) 198, Edwin Kareri (PNU) 28, Edward Mathenge (KKM) 16, Rachel Wangui (PDP) 11 and Stephen Waithaka (NLP) 103.
DCP Secures First Parliamentary Seat
The victory handed the Democracy for the Citizens Party its first parliamentary seat since its formation and marked a significant political milestone for the opposition outfit.
The outcome was also viewed as a major setback for President William Ruto’s UDA party in a constituency widely regarded as a key political battleground ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Fierce Campaign Battle
The Ol Kalou by-election attracted intense campaigns from both the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition and the opposition.
UDA leaders anchored their campaign on the government’s development agenda, with Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, governors and Members of Parliament holding rallies across the constituency in support of Samuel Muchina Nyagah.
Government leaders also oversaw the distribution of items including mattresses, water tanks, gas cylinders and boats, maintaining they formed part of ongoing development programmes.
Opposition leaders, however, criticised the distribution, alleging it was intended to influence voters.
Meanwhile, DCP centred its campaign on the rising cost of living, economic challenges and calls for political change, with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua leading several campaign rallies alongside Nyandarua Senator John Methu, Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia and other opposition leaders.
