Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru's victory in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election has triggered a wave of congratulatory messages from leaders across the political divide, with Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua leading celebrations after the party secured its first-ever seat in the National Assembly.
The declaration of the results on Friday capped off one of the most closely watched by-elections in the Mt Kenya region, with the race drawing national political attention as President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA) squared it out against Gachagua's DCP ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Waweru won the Ol Kalou seat after garnering 33,937 votes, comfortably defeating his immediate competitor, United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Samuel Muchina Nyagah, who secured 5,304 votes.
The by-election was called after the death of Ol Kalou MP David Njuguna Kiaraho, who died on March 29, 2026, while undergoing treatment at Nairobi Hospital. Kiaraho had represented the constituency since 2013 and had been serving his third consecutive term after winning the seat in the 2022 General Election.
Soon after Waweru was declared the winner, Gachagua hailed the outcome as a historic achievement for the party, saying voters had entrusted DCP with its first parliamentary seat.
"Congratulations, Hon. Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru, on your historic election as the Member of Parliament for Ol Kalou Constituency. You have won by a resounding margin, reflecting the unmistakable voice of the people. We thank the Almighty God for this great victory."
He expressed gratitude to the people of Ol Kalou, saying they had remained firm throughout the campaign and rejected attempts to influence their decision.
"To the great people of Ol Kalou, thank you for giving our party, DCP, its first Member of the National Assembly. Thank you, my great people, for refusing to sell your birthright and for being wise enough not to fall for the deception of development projects."
Gachagua also commended residents for protecting their votes despite what he claimed were attempts to intimidate them during the election period.
"Thank you a million times for guarding your vote and for standing firm despite the actions of rogue police officers armed with guns and tear gas."
He said the victory had strengthened his political camp by adding another elected leader to its ranks.
"Once again, I am grateful to the people of Ol Kalou for accepting to add me an extra soldier to join the great army that I lead in Defence of Kenyans. I have been struggling with 18 soldiers but with great results; now I have 19, things will be much better."
Gachagua further said the outcome had restored the dignity of both the community and the country.
"On behalf of our community and the people of Kenya, kindly accept my heartfelt appreciation for restoring the dignity of our community and our nation. I feel proud and elated to be the leader of such patriotic people who remain loyal to their rights and dignity."
The DCP leader singled out Nyandarua Senator John Methu and Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia for coordinating the three-month campaign, while also thanking senators, Members of Parliament, Members of County Assembly, volunteers and party officials who took part in the campaign. He said he would visit all five wards in Ol Kalou to personally thank residents before urging Waweru to focus on serving the constituency diligently.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki also congratulated Waweru on what he termed his "imminent victory" and called on the MP-elect to unite the people of Ol Kalou and serve every resident without discrimination.
Kindiki also praised UDA candidate Samuel Muchina Nyagah for conducting what he described as "a mature, issue-based campaign devoid of insults" despite failing to win the seat.
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru also congratulated Waweru on his victory, saying he had secured the seat after running a strong campaign, while also commending UDA candidate Samuel Muchina Nyagah for his spirited contest.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei said the outcome would not diminish the political strength of the Kenya Kwanza administration, arguing that the coalition had won the majority of recent by-elections.
Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro also sent his congratulations to Waweru following what he described as his "decisive election." He applauded Senator John Methu and MP Wanjiku Muhia for leading the campaign, while condemning what he termed state-sponsored violence witnessed during the campaigns and on voting day.
Nyandarua Senator John Methu, who led DCP's campaign, kept his message short, thanking voters by posting: "Thank you, Ol Kalou."
Digital strategist Dennis Itumbi also congratulated the MP-elect, writing: "Congratulations, Ngotho. Well fought. Well won. Serve Ol Kalou well."
He also acknowledged UDA candidate Samuel Muchina Nyagah, saying he had run "a great race" before adding, "We lost today. There is tomorrow."