Gachagua Draws Line in the Sand as Ol Kalou Battle Looms: ‘No Boardroom Deals’
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has issued a firm warning against political horse-trading ahead of the hotly anticipated Ol Kalou by-election, vowing that candidates will be picked strictly through a transparent vote rather than behind-the-scenes negotiations.
The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader said the party would not entertain “boardroom deals,” as he moved to reassure supporters that the nomination process would be free, fair, and driven by grassroots participation.
In a statement posted on X on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, Gachagua confirmed that consultations had already been held with all aspirants eyeing the party ticket for the July 16 contest in Ol Kalou.
He revealed that the meeting brought together the party’s National Election Board chairperson, senior officials, and aspirants, culminating in a consensus on the roadmap toward the primaries scheduled for May 9.
“This morning, I met with aspirants seeking to fly the DCP party flag in the upcoming Ol Kalou by-election scheduled for July 16, 2026. Together with the Chairperson of the National Election Board and other senior party officials, we have reviewed and affirmed the process that will guide the party nominations set for May 9, 2026,” Gachagua said.
The former deputy president’s remarks come amid rising political tension in Nyandarua County, where the by-election is shaping up to be a litmus test for emerging political formations and their ability to mobilise support outside traditional alliances.
By insisting on an open nomination process, Gachagua appears keen to position the DCP as a reformist outfit distancing itself from opaque deal-making that has historically characterised party primaries in Kenya.
Political analysts say the move could boost the party’s credibility among voters, but warn that competitive primaries often risk internal divisions if not carefully managed.
With just weeks to the nominations, all eyes are now on whether the DCP can deliver on its promise of transparency — and whether the process will unify or fracture its ranks ahead of the high-stakes by-election.
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