Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) displayed growing political strength in Nyandarua County after its candidate, Sammy Kamau Ngotho, won the party nomination for the upcoming Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election with a commanding margin.
Ngotho secured 12,957 votes in a nomination exercise that attracted more than 20,000 participants across the constituency, according to party officials.
The turnout sharply contrasted with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) primaries, where Samuel Muchina Nyaga garnered 3,221 votes from about 8,258 ballots cast.
The Ol Kalou parliamentary seat fell vacant following the death of Jubilee Party MP David Kiaraho earlier this year, setting the stage for what analysts now view as an early political loyalty test in the Mt Kenya West region ahead of the 2027 General Election.
DCP leaders described the massive turnout during their primaries as a clear indication of growing dissatisfaction with President William Ruto’s UDA administration in the region.
“This is a statement from the people of Mt Kenya. The crowds and turnout show wananchi are ready for a new political direction,” a senior DCP official said after the exercise.
The July 16 by-election is now expected to evolve into a direct political contest between President Ruto and his former deputy Rigathi Gachagua, whose influence in the Mt Kenya region continues to shape succession politics ahead of 2027.
Political observers say the outcome of the by-election could significantly influence regional political alignments, especially as both UDA and DCP seek to consolidate support in central Kenya.
Security was heightened during the nominations, with large crowds gathering at various polling centres across Ol Kalou constituency as supporters from both camps closely monitored the exercise.
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