Photo: Samuel Muchina/Facebook
United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Samuel Muchina has met President William Ruto days after his defeat in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, signaling a shift from campaign politics to development-focused engagement.
Muchina, who finished second in the closely watched contest, described the Tuesday, July 21 meeting as “fruitful and candid,” with discussions centering on the constituency’s development priorities and long-term progress.
The Ol Kalou by-election, held earlier this month, resulted in a landslide victory for Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Sammy Kamau Ngotho, who garnered 35,440 votes against Muchina’s 5,450.
The outcome marked a significant political moment in Nyandarua County, with analysts pointing to shifting regional dynamics ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Despite the loss, Muchina struck a conciliatory and forward-looking tone, revealing that President Ruto commended him for running an issue-based campaign.
“I am deeply humbled that the President congratulated me for conducting an issue-based campaign and for demonstrating to the entire country that politics can be done with dignity, respect, ideas and maturity,” Muchina said in a statement.
He added that the election outcome does not diminish his commitment to the people of Ol Kalou, emphasizing that leadership extends beyond electoral victory.
“Although our victory was postponed, our commitment to the people remains unwavering. Leadership is not only about holding office; it is about standing with the people,” he stated.
Central to the meeting was a renewed assurance from the President that key development projects in the constituency will proceed as planned.
Muchina announced that he will personally oversee the implementation of several ongoing initiatives.
Among the priority projects are the completion of 36 electrification programmes across the constituency, aimed at expanding access to power in rural areas.
Housing projects targeting vulnerable families will also continue, with at least two houses expected to be completed in every ward.
Water access remains another focal point, with five borehole projects already initiated—one in each ward—to improve access to clean and reliable water for residents.
In the health sector, the government has committed to completing the Level 5 JM Hospital within the stipulated timeline, a move expected to enhance healthcare services in the region.
Additionally, the planned university project will proceed, alongside the completion of a constituency stadium and ongoing road tarmacking works.
“These projects are not about politics; they are about the future of Ol Kalou,” Muchina said, underscoring his role in monitoring their progress.
The UDA candidate also used the opportunity to thank residents for their support during the by-election period, calling for unity and calm in the aftermath of the hotly contested race, which was marred by isolated incidents of violence.
“The election is behind us, but our shared dream of a modern, developed and prosperous Ol Kalou is still alive,” he said.
Muchina’s post-election engagement with the President is likely to shape political discourse in the region, particularly as parties begin early positioning ahead of the next general election.
For now, his message remains clear: development, not political rivalry, should take centre stage in Ol Kalou’s next chapter.