The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) deputy leader Cleophas Malala and DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua /HANDOUT
Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) deputy party leader Cleophas Malala has claimed that several leaders allied to the Kenya Kwanza administration are considering defecting to the united opposition following the party's victory in the Ol Kalou by-election.
Malala said the outcome had sent a strong political message and prompted some leaders who have been backing President William Ruto's re-election bid to reconsider their positions.
He claimed that he had spoken to several politicians who have been staunch supporters of the two-term brigade but are now contemplating joining DCP after Ol Kalou's win.
"It is too early in the game. The real transfer window will be from January, and you will see people shifting sides, having intra-coalition movements," Malala said.
"I have had friends who have been religiously supporting the two-term brigade, but now, after the Ol Kalou indicators, they are contemplating coming on our side. I am speaking of so many of them who are staunch members of the two-term team, and now they are saying that Ol Kalou has given them a red flag and that they must align with reality. They are coming."
Malala, however, acknowledged that political realignments would not be one-sided, saying some members of the opposition could also opt to join the government if they felt their interests were better served there.
"We have those who will feel their interests are not catered for in the United Opposition. They will move to the government's side, and that is not new in politics. Shifting alliances is expected," he said.
The former senator argued that politicians often make decisions based on the interests of their parties and the communities they represent.
"It has been proven in previous engagements that if the
interests of your political party or community are not catered for, then you
have no business being there. It is a matter of wait and see, and I'm certain by
early next year, you will see a lot of realignment," Malala said.
DCP candidate Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru defeated UDA's Samuel Muchina by a margin of nearly 30,000 votes.
The Ol Kalou contest ended in a landslide victory for DCP, with Waweru garnering 35,440 votes against Nyagah's 5,450.
The remaining candidates trailed by wide margins in the election, which recorded a voter turnout of 57 per cent.
The victory handed DCP its first seat in the National Assembly. It strengthened former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's claim to political influence in the vote-rich Mt Kenya region, setting off fresh debate over the region's role in the 2027 general election.
Nyagah conceded defeat and congratulated Waweru, pledging to support him in efforts to develop the constituency.
The outcome of the Ol Kalou by-election has fuelled political debate over whether Gachagua's growing influence in Mt Kenya could reshape the contest for State House in 2027.
