Nyandarua Senator John Methu leads a fundraiser in Ol Kalau / JOHN METHU X
Residents of Mugumo village in Ol Kalou on Tuesday staged an unusual fundraiser, lining up to contribute Sh10 each to buy a new suit for the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) parliamentary candidate for the area, Sammy Ngotho.
The event, led by Nyandarua Senator John Methu, drew large crowds as residents queued to drop their contributions into a bucket bearing the candidate's photograph.
Leaders said the suit would be worn by Ngotho during his swearing-in ceremony if he wins the upcoming Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.
Photos and videos from the event showed residents patiently waiting their turn to make their contributions. Some who offered more than Sh10 requested their change before dropping the required amount into the bucket, while those without cash were encouraged to send their contributions through mobile money platforms.
Methu stood at the front holding the collection bucket as other leaders rallied support for the initiative.
The senator said the exercise was intended to demonstrate solidarity with the candidate and respond to criticism directed at him.
He said residents had agreed during an earlier meeting to contribute Sh10 each towards purchasing a brand-new suit.
“Another day, when someone is called homeless, they will know that they have their own people. Last Tuesday, Mugumo villagers agreed to contribute Sh10 each when they come today to buy a brand-new suit for the swearing in of the incoming MP Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru,” Methu said.
The fundraiser comes as political activity intensifies in Ol Kalou ahead of the July 16, 2026, parliamentary by-election.
Ngotho, a former MCA, secured the DCP ticket after winning the party primaries with 12,957 votes, defeating his closest challenger, Paul Waiganjo, who garnered 4,978 votes.
The nominations attracted nine aspirants, including Wakili Kiragu Wathuta and Isaac Ndirangu, highlighting the growing political significance of the contest in Nyandarua County.
Ngotho previously vied for the seat on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket during the 2022 General Election, where he finished second to the late Ol Kalou MP David Njuguna Kiaraho.
He is now set to face UDA candidate Samuel Muchina Nyagah and other contenders once they are cleared by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Muchina clinched the UDA ticket after edging out nine aspirants in a closely fought primary election.
According to the ruling party, he garnered 3,221 votes to narrowly beat George Wambugu Kanuri, who secured 3,077 votes.
National Elections Board member Jimmy Kahindi presented Muchina with the nomination certificate at Mumbi Primary School after the exercise.
Peter Njoroge Mugo finished third with 1,049 votes, while Mary Nyokabi Kamau garnered 406 votes. Peter Chuchu Njuguna received 158 votes, Maina Kiambati 96, Joseph Ndirangu 90, Ezekiah Kamweru 66, Daniel Ndungu 52 and Stanley Mwangi 43 votes.
Nyandarua Senator John Metu leads a fundraiser in Ol Kalau / JOHN METHU X
