Leaders congratulate Sammy Kamau on Ol Kalou victory

Congratulations poured in from across the political divide after Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Sammy Kamau was declared the winner of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.

Leaders from Kenya Kwanza and the opposition congratulated the MP-elect while urging him to unite residents and focus on serving the constituency.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki was among the first senior government leaders to congratulate Kamau, describing his victory as imminent even before the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) formally announced the final results.

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

He also commended United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Samuel Muchina for what he described as a mature, issue-based campaign.

Following the official declaration of results, DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua congratulated Kamau, saying the victory reflected the will of the people and marked a historic milestone for the party as it secured its first parliamentary seat.

Nyandarua Senator John Methu, who played a key role in Kamau's campaign, hailed the MP-elect's victory and thanked residents for their support.

"My brother, my friend, Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru, congratulations on your very resounding win. The people have spoken," Methu said.

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka also congratulated Kamau and the DCP, saying the outcome demonstrated the resolve of Ol Kalou voters.

People's Liberation Party leader Martha Karua joined in congratulating the MP-elect, saying residents had exercised their democratic right by electing their preferred candidate.

Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome also acknowledged the outcome, saying the government respected the will of the people.

"Congratulations, Sammy Ngotho, on the victory in the Ol Kalou by-election. We respect the will of the people and congratulate the people of Ol Kalou," Wahome said.

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga described Kamau's victory as outstanding and urged him to serve residents with humility.

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru congratulated Kamau and his main rival, saying they had conducted a competitive race.

Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro also congratulated the MP-elect, as well as Senator Methu and Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia, for steering the campaign to victory.

Weighing in to the election result, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the by-election results reflected the country's democratic maturity, noting that different political parties had been able to compete freely while securing victories in their respective strongholds.

Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi also congratulated Kamau and acknowledged UDA candidate Samuel Muchina Nyagah for what he termed a well-fought contest.

The IEBC declared Waweru the winner after he garnered 35,440 votes against Samuel Muchina Nyagah's 5,450 votes, giving DCP its first parliamentary seat since the party was formed.