Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua on Wednesday met aspirants vying for the party’s nomination in the upcoming Ol Kalou Constituency by-election, designating May 9, 2026, as the date for the party’s nominations to select its flagbearer.
The former Deputy President stated that the party, alongside the Chairperson of the National Election Board and other senior officials, had reviewed and approved the nomination procedure in preparation for the July 16 by-election.
Through a statement posted on his X account, Gachagua indicated that the aspirants had consented to a transparent, fair, and credible nomination process and pledged to honor the final result.
Earlier today, I convened with aspirants aiming to represent the DCP in the forthcoming Olkalou by-election set for July 16, 2026,” Gachagua stated.
He emphasized that the party would not impose a candidate through consensus or internal mechanisms, maintaining that the decision would rest with the electorate.
The determination of who will bear the party’s colors will be made exclusively by the residents of Olkalou. There will be no consensus-driven arrangements or decisions made behind closed doors. This selection belongs to the voters,” he explained.
Gachagua observed that the aspirants had voiced contentment with the existing nomination arrangements and had committed to supporting the eventual victor following the May 9 proceedings.
The aspirants have conveyed satisfaction with the established arrangements and have pledged to conduct a transparent, fair, and credible nomination exercise. They have additionally agreed to accept the result and back the eventual champion,” he added.
I urge the people of Ol Kalou to turn out in substantial numbers on May 9, 2026 to select the DCP candidate, keeping in mind that this decision will ultimately determine their next representative from our esteemed party,” he emphasized.
The DCP leader further encouraged all aspirants to run peaceful campaigns and maintain discipline, noting that the party’s strength would hinge on unity following the nominations.
The nine candidates include Wakili Kiragu Wathuta, Isaac Ndirangu, Kevin Ndungu Waweru, James Waithaka Kariuki, Stephen Kimani Muturi, Peter Mwangi Karanja, Paul Waiganjo, Kamau Ngotho, and Gabriel Gatinu Wambui.
I also implore all nine aspirants to conduct their campaigns with respect, discipline, and proper conduct, understanding that whoever emerges victorious will carry the unified strength and backing of the others,” Gachagua stated.
The Ol Kalou by-election is anticipated to draw significant political interest as parties aim to assess their standing in the Mt Kenya region prior to the 2027 General Election.
For DCP, the election is poised to function as a crucial political assessment as Gachagua works to solidify support and extend the party’s influence in the area.