'It Is Finished': Opposition Declares Victory in Ol Kalou By-Election Amid Accusations of State Terror
Politics Updated: 17 July 2026 13:41 EAT
Photo Courtesy: DCP Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua joined people of ol' Kalou after his Press Conference in Nyahururu Laikipia County.
Following the highly contested Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, the leadership of the Democratic Congress Party (DCP) heade by it's founder and leader former Deputy President RigathiGachagua has declared victory, framing the result as a monumental turning point in national politics. Speaking to supporters and the press, opposition leaders asserted that the local victory represents a broader, nationwide rejection of President William Ruto’s administration and its policies.
"From what I have heard, I would like to contextualize what happened in Ol Kalou in the greater conversation of the Republic of Kenya."
The DCP leadership claimed that the by-election served as a "dress rehearsal" for the 2027 general election. According to the opposition, the ruling administration utilized the local contest as a testing ground for voter manipulation tactics, which the opposition insists they have now successfully established strategies to counter.
"The people are resolute that they will not vote for this rogue administration again. But they have one fear. Their fear is not that he'll win. They know he can lose. Their fear is that when William Ruto loses, he will refuse to accept it and steal the election."he said.
The lader further accused the state of deploying vast amounts of public resources and financial inducements in a desperate bid to influence voters in the constituency. The opposition alleged that the government mobilized senior cabinet ministers, principal secretaries, and extensive state machinery to campaign openly and distribute materials over a three-month period.
"William Ruto flooded constituency with obscene amounts of money. Kenya shillings 14 billion in projects over three months, 1.1 billion Kenya shillings directly in cash."
In addition to financial influence, the DCP leadership leveled serious allegations regarding state-sponsored intimidation during the voting and counting process. They claimed that 2,000 police officers and armed, masked individuals were deployed to the constituency, leading to voter suppression and disruptions at polling stations.
"Yesterday was a tipping point for this country. The residents of Ol' kalou came out in overwhelming numbers to make their voice heard. We owe them our deepest gratitude... However, we cannot celebrate this outcome without fully addressing the circumstances under which the election took place."
The opposition also reported severe casualties resulting from the alleged electoral violence, accusing state security agencies of using lethal force against unarmed citizens. The speaker named a local resident who was reportedly killed during the skirmishes and detailed injuries suffered by numerous others.
"James Mungai of Vihote village Kabaga Ward was shot and killed by the policeman ... 20 people are in hospital with gunshot wounds and head injuries after being attacked with tanchions."
In a highly gravity-laden accusation, the DCP leadership alleged that state-aligned security officers perpetrated systemic human rights abuses, including sexual violence, against local women during the electoral period. The speaker called for immediate accountability and named specific politicians and administrators they believe coordinated the operations.
"These rogue policemen raped our women, elderly women, middle-aged women, and young girls. So far, 68 women have reported to us that they were raped by the hooded thugs...."
Addressing their traditional political base, the opposition leaders expressed deep regret for their role in bringing the current administration to power in previous elections. The speaker offered a formal apology to the Kenyan public on behalf of the Mount Kenya region, promising to mobilize voters to correct what they termed a historic mistake.
"Our fellow Kenyans, we are sorry. We are keenly aware that we made a fatal mistake and we are all living with it consequences. That being said, we are committed and working hard to correct that situation."
Looking forward, the DCP outlined its national strategy, asserting that the party has moved past its regional origins and is actively preparing to challenge the ruling party across the country in the next general election.
"We are a national party that and it is our intention to field candidates in all for 47 counties... to secure a minimum of 20 governors, a minimum of 20 senators, a minimum of 145 members of the national assembly."
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FELIX MAKONA
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