Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Sammy Kamau Ngotho has been declared the winner of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election after securing a commanding victory in the closely watched contest.
According to the official results announced by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on Friday morning, Kamau garnered 35,440 votes to defeat United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Samuel Muchina Nyaga, who received 5,450 votes. Jubilee Party candidate Wilson Kigwa finished third.
High-profile race overshadowed by violence
The Thursday by-election attracted nationwide attention but was marred by incidents of violence in parts of the constituency.
Armed men travelling in unmarked vehicles allegedly attacked residents, journalists and political supporters, while police deployed tear gas at several polling stations to disperse crowds as tensions escalated. Several people were reportedly injured during the unrest.
Despite the disturbances, the electoral process was completed and the IEBC announced the final results on Friday.
Major political test ahead of 2027
The Ol Kalou by-election had evolved into a high-stakes political contest, widely viewed as a showdown between President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Rigathi Gachagua-led Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).
The seat fell vacant following the death of former Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho, making it the constituency’s first parliamentary by-election since the 2022 General Election.
The campaign period saw senior politicians from both sides crisscross the constituency in a bid to influence voters, with both camps facing allegations of voter bribery through cash handouts.
Political analysts are now expected to closely examine the outcome, with the result likely to influence political realignments and campaign strategies as parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
