Kindiki congratulates DCP's Sammy Waweru as Ol Kalou tally puts him ahead

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has congratulated Democratic Congress Party (DCP) candidate Sammy Kamau Ngotho following Thursday's Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, even as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is yet to officially declare the winner.

Kindiki's message came as provisional results from the ongoing tallying process showed Waweru holding a commanding lead of more than 5,000 votes, while United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Samuel Muchina had garnered just over 800 votes. The IEBC is expected to declare the winner after verifying and tabulating results from all polling stations.

In his statement, the Deputy President urged Waweru to unite the people of Ol Kalou and serve all constituents without discrimination.

"Congratulations, Sammy Douglas Waweru Kamau Ngotho, on your imminent victory in the by-election held today for the MP seat for the Ol Kalou constituency. Unite the residents and serve them all without distinction," Kindiki said.

He also praised UDA candidate Samuel Muchina for what he described as a mature and issue-based campaign.

"Congratulations Samuel Muchina, our UDA Party candidate, for a good show and a mature, issue-based campaign devoid of insults. You may not have succeeded today, but your star shines bright into the future," Kindiki said.

The Deputy President concluded his statement with a political message, writing: 'Mbeere North: 1. Ol Kalou: 1. Final Match: 10 Aug. 2027", in an apparent reference to the 2027 General Election.

Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi has also joined a list of leaders who have congratulated the DCP candidate.

"I want to congratulate Hon. Sammy Kamau Waweru for winning the Ol Kalou by-election. Thumbs up also to Samuel Muchinah Nyagah for a well-fought race. I was on the ground, and I respect the decision made by the people of Ol Kalou," Sudi said.

"This administration of President William Ruto was formed by the people of Murima, and they are still part of this government. Now, my people, let us move forward."

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru said, "Congratulations, Ngotho. Well fought, well won. Serve Ol’Kalou with honour. Good campaign, Samuel Muchina Nyagah; you had a great race. Sina mengi ya kusema kwa sasa. We are reflecting…it is what it is. 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹, 𝗳𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗳𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗹: 𝗜𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘀." — 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗹 Time for introspection."

The Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election has attracted national political attention, with leaders from both the government and opposition closely monitoring the outcome. 

The Ol Kalou by-election, occasioned by the death of former MP David Kiaraho, has been widely viewed as the first major electoral test in the Mt. Kenya region since former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s fallout with President William Ruto.