UDA Ol Kalou MP candidate concedes defeat, congratulates DCP's Sammy Kamau

United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate John Muchina has conceded defeat in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.

Muchina congratulated his DCP rival, Sammy Kamau Waweru, after the latter secured a decisive victory.

In a brief message shared after the declaration of the results, Muchina wished the incoming MP well and urged him to focus on serving the people of the constituency.

"Congratulations, Sammy Kamau Waweru. Go and serve the people of Ol Kalou Constituency," Muchina said.

His concession brought to a close one of the most hotly contested by-elections in recent years, which attracted intense campaigning from both the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition and the opposition.

The race had evolved beyond a contest for a parliamentary seat, with political leaders treating it as a crucial test of influence in the vote-rich Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Senior UDA leaders, including Cabinet Secretaries, Members of Parliament and other government officials, campaigned extensively for Muchina, presenting the election as an opportunity for residents to reaffirm their support for President William Ruto's administration and its development agenda.

On the other side, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua threw his weight behind the DCP candidate, framing the by-election as a referendum on the government's performance and a chance for voters to chart a new political direction.

Following the win, Gachagua described Waweru's victory as historic, saying it marked DCP's first parliamentary seat and reflected "the unmistakable voice of the people".

Congratulating the MP-elect, Gachagua thanked Ol Kalou voters for "refusing to sell your birthright" and "not falling for the deception of development projects".

He added that the new MP had become "an extra soldier" in his political movement, saying, "I have been struggling with 18 soldiers... now I have 19; things will be much better."

The campaigns were characterised by heightened political activity, with both camps holding rallies across the constituency and making repeated appeals to voters in the days leading up to polling.

Following the declaration of the results, Waweru emerged victorious by a wide margin, handing DCP its first parliamentary seat and providing Gachagua with a significant political boost.

The incoming legislator is expected to assume office after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) completes the post-election processes.

Waweru now faces the task of fulfilling his campaign promises, including improving infrastructure, supporting farmers, expanding employment opportunities for young people, and ensuring better delivery of public services in Ol Kalou Constituency.

His victory is also expected to influence political realignments in Mt Kenya as parties begin positioning themselves for the 2027 General Election.