According to Nyandarua Senator John Methu, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) returning officer was free to join Democratic Congress Party (DCP) supporters in celebrating after officially declaring Sammy Kamau Ngotho the winner of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.
Speaking shortly after the official announcement, Methu jokingly invited the returning officer, who had worn a green IEBC pullover during the tallying process, to take part in the celebrations, saying that his official responsibilities had ended once the results were declared.
The senator made the remarks after he was invited to address supporters following Ngotho’s confirmation as the newly elected Member of Parliament for Ol Kalou. Methu had played a prominent role in DCP’s campaign, actively participating in rallies and mobilisation efforts throughout the three-month campaign period.
During his address, Methu strongly criticised the violence that was reported on voting day, including incidents involving tear gas near polling stations. He said such actions had no place in a democratic election and insisted that the electoral process should reflect the will of the people without intimidation or disruption.
The senator further argued that the Ol Kalou outcome reflected a broader political shift in the country, suggesting that the by-election carried significance beyond the constituency itself. He questioned why several government officials were allegedly allowed to campaign openly for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate without facing any consequences. Methu referred to previous allegations involving Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries who were accused of participating in campaign activities within the constituency.
Despite what he described as considerable challenges, Methu said DCP had secured a decisive victory through the determination and resilience of Ol Kalou voters. Official results showed Sammy Kamau Ngotho defeating UDA candidate Samuel Muchina Nyagah by a comfortable margin after vote tallying concluded on Thursday night.
Even before the final declaration, celebrations had broken out across Ol Kalou as supporters gathered outside the tallying centre singing, dancing, and chanting in anticipation of victory. Earlier in the evening, Methu had also led supporters in worship as provisional results continued to favour DCP.
Following the announcement, Samuel Muchina Nyagah conceded defeat and congratulated Ngotho through a social media statement. State House Digital Strategist Dennis Itumbi also acknowledged the outcome by congratulating the DCP candidate.
The victory gives DCP its first-ever parliamentary seat, marking a significant milestone for former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s political party as it seeks to strengthen its influence ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election.