Jubilee Party's David Kiaraho Loses Ol Kalou Parliamentary Seat to DCP's Douglas Kamau Waweru

DCP's Kamau Ngotho wins violence marred Ol Kalou by-election

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The Democracy for the Citizens Party's Douglas Kamau Waweru has won the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, defeating his closest rival by a margin of nearly 30,000 votes in a contest marked by teargas and reports of armed men attacking residents.

Waweru, a member of the Democracy for the Citizens Party, is a well-known politician in Ol Kalou. He has been active in local politics for several years and has won the hearts of many residents with his development Agenda. His win is seen as a major upset, as the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) was expected to retain the seat.

The by-election was called after the death of former MP David Kiaraho in March. The contest drew national attention as a proxy battle between President William Ruto's UDA and the DCP, led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Both camps campaigned aggressively in Nyandarua County, with allegations of cash handouts levelled against politicians from across the divide.

The results announced by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) show that Waweru garnered 35,440 votes against 5,450 for the United Democratic Alliance's Samuel Muchina Nyagah. Jubilee Party's Wilson Kigwa finished third with 198 votes, followed by Stephen Waithaka of the National Liberal Party with 103 votes and Timothy Kariuki of the People's Renaissance Movement with 51 votes.

The by-election was marred by violence, with reports of armed men in unmarked vehicles attacking residents, journalists, and political supporters. Police lobbed teargas to disperse crowds at several polling stations, leaving multiple people injured as tensions flared during voting.

Turnout stood at 56.7 per cent, with 41,316 valid votes cast out of 73,480 registered voters. A further 340 ballots were spoilt and 12 disputed.

The DCP's win is seen as a major boost to the party's chances in the next general election. Waweru's victory is likely to send shockwaves through the ruling UDA, which had been confident of retaining the seat.