Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has attributed the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) victory in the Olkalou by-election to what he described as a strong network of young, energetic leaders driving the party’s grassroots momentum.
Speaking during an interview on KTN News on Wednesday evening, July 22, Gachagua said the party’s strategy and leadership composition played a central role in securing a landslide win in the hotly contested Nyandarua race.
“If you see why DCP has succeeded and why we had such a strong showing in Ol Kalou, Rigathi Gachagua is surrounded by young, energetic leaders. I feel youthful myself because of the youthfulness around me,” he said.
The Olkalou by-election, held on July 16, saw DCP candidate Sammy Kamau Ngotho secure a commanding victory against rivals, including the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate.
The outcome has since been interpreted as a significant political shift in the Mt Kenya region, traditionally seen as a stronghold of President William Ruto’s political base.
Gachagua pointed to what he termed as a deliberate effort to empower young leaders within the party, arguing that this approach resonated with voters, particularly the youth demographic.
According to him, the energy and relatability of younger politicians helped DCP connect more effectively with the electorate on key local and national issues.
“Our focus has been to bring in fresh leadership that understands the needs of ordinary wananchi. That is what people responded to in Ol Kalou,” he added.
The former deputy president also framed the victory as a broader endorsement of DCP’s political direction, suggesting that the party’s performance in the by-election reflects growing support beyond Nyandarua County.
The Olkalou contest attracted national attention, with major political camps viewing it as a litmus test of influence in the vote-rich Mt Kenya region.
The decisive margin of victory for DCP has since sparked debate over shifting alliances and voter sentiment ahead of future electoral cycles.