DCP's Sammy Waweru Wins Ol Kalou By-Election Landslide

Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) won the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election on July 16, 2026, in a landslide victory. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) declared Waweru the winner with 35,440 votes, defeating United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Samuel Muchina Nyagah, who received 5,450 votes. The seat had been vacant since the death of MP David Kiaraho in March.

The contest served as a political proxy battle in the Mt Kenya region between the administration of President William Ruto and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. While the IEBC described the process as peaceful, the election was marred by isolated violence, including attacks on journalists by masked armed men and the use of teargas to disperse crowds. Inspector General Douglas Kanja deployed over 1,000 officers to secure the tallying center at Ol Kalou Senior School.

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka characterized the result as a rejection of the current administration, alleging that the government used the police for voter intimidation and engaged in widespread bribery. In contrast, Gachagua framed the victory as a historic breakthrough, securing the DCP's first seat in the National Assembly. Following the result, Gachagua led a thanksgiving tour across the constituency's five wards. The IEBC has since announced a comprehensive post-election review to draw lessons for the 2027 General Election.