Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has congratulated DCP candidate Stanley Karissa Kenga for what he described as an impressive performance in the Magarini by-election.
He said the result marks a breakthrough for the young party in the Coast Region.
In a statement on Friday, Gachagua said the Democracy for Citizens Party had made “a credible second” despite having no prior political footprint in the area.
“Congratulations, Stanley Karissa Kenga, our candidate in Magarini, for such a strong showing," he said.
"For a new party with no previous inroads in the Coast Region, a credible second is more than acceptable."
Gachagua added that the outcome opens the door for wider party expansion at the Coast, announcing that he will spend part of the holiday season in the region to recruit aspirants and set up offices.
“This now gives an entry into the Coast Region. I will be in the Coast over the holiday season to meet possible aspirants and establish party offices. Well done, Stanley. We are proud of you,” he said.
The by-election result has positioned the DCP as a new entrant seeking to build momentum ahead of future political contests.
Kenga came in second, after Harrison Kombe of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), who is now the area's MP-elect.
Kombe won the by-elections by securing 17,909 votes, decisively defeating his closest rival, Kenga, who garnered 8,907 votes.
The by-election, held on Thursday, was organised following the vacancy of the seat after the passing of the former MP.
Kenga and DCP supporters congratulated the winner and called for peaceful coexistence and collaboration moving forward.
The by-election saw voter turnout of approximately 45 per cent of registered voters, reflecting moderate engagement amid concerns over voter fatigue and logistical challenges in certain wards.
Earlier on, Gachagua commended the three newly elected DCP leaders for securing victories in their respective ward races.
He noted that the wins were a milestone for DCP, which he described as a relatively new party, highlighting that it had managed to gain traction in a short period.
He attributed the results to the engagement of voters and the efforts of candidates to remain connected with their communities throughout the campaigns.
"On behalf of the DCP party and our members, I offer congratulations to Douglas Masikonde, David Warui, and Dickson Okwiri Aduda for winning the Narok Township, Kariobangi North, and Kisa East wards, respectively," he said.
Gachagua also praised voters for participating in the elections and for choosing leaders based on their interactions with the community.
He encouraged aspiring politicians within the party to stay active at the grassroots level.
“I urge all those who wish to contest under our party to remain on the ground and continuously engage the electorate,” Gachagua stated, adding that the party’s early wins were encouraging for its future growth.
