Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has met aspirants seeking to contest under the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) in the upcoming Olkalou by-election, setting the stage for what he described as a transparent and people-driven nomination process.
The meeting, held on Wednesday morning, brought together nine aspirants, members of the party’s National Election Board and senior officials to review and affirm the guidelines that will govern the nominations scheduled for May 9, 2026.
Gachagua said the party is committed to conducting free, fair and credible nominations, noting that all aspirants had expressed confidence in the arrangements put in place. He added that the candidates had also agreed to respect the outcome of the exercise and unite behind the eventual winner.
“The process will be open and guided by the will of the people. There will be no consensus or boardroom decisions. The voters will decide,” Gachagua stated.
He urged residents of Olkalou to turn out in large numbers during the nomination exercise, emphasising that their participation will determine the party’s candidate in the by-election slated for July 16, 2026.
Gachagua also called on the aspirants to conduct their campaigns with discipline, respect and integrity, warning against divisive politics that could undermine the party’s unity ahead of the polls.
The aspirants seeking the DCP ticket include Wakili Kiragu Wathuta, Isaac Ndirangu, Kevin Ndungu Waweru, James Waithaka Kariuki, Stephen Kimani Muturi, Peter Mwangi Karanja, Paul Waiganjo, Kamau Ngotho and Gabriel Gatinu Wambui.
According to Gachagua, whoever emerges victorious will carry not only the party’s flag but also the collective strength of the other aspirants, a move he said is aimed at strengthening unity within the party ahead of the by-election.
The Olkalou by-election has attracted significant political attention, with various parties preparing to field candidates in what is expected to be a closely contested race.
Gachagua reiterated that the DCP leadership will remain neutral throughout the nomination process, allowing grassroots voters to make the final decision without interference.
He further encouraged aspirants to focus on issue-based campaigns that address the needs of residents, noting that leadership should be about service and accountability.
As political activities gather pace, the upcoming nominations are expected to play a critical role in shaping the outcome of the by-election, with the party keen on presenting a strong and united front.
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