How Gathungu and team helped deliver DCP's Ol Kalou victory

By Newsflash Writer

When the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) secured a resounding victory in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election on July 16, 2026, much of the spotlight fell on the party’s candidate, Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru.

Yet behind the landslide win was a carefully coordinated grassroots campaign led by a team of political leaders who worked tirelessly to mobilise voters across the constituency.

The by-election saw Waweru garner 35,440 votes, defeating United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Samuel Muchina, who polled 5,450 votes.

The outcome handed DCP its first parliamentary seat and underscored the party’s growing influence in the Mt Kenya region.

Among those credited with the success is Leshau Pondo MCA Gathungu Kamau, who coordinated campaigns and grassroots mobilisation in Karau Ward, one of the constituency’s key voting areas.

According to party insiders, the campaign involved intensive planning, constant voter engagement and overnight vigils by campaign teams determined to safeguard every vote and ensure that the party’s victory would not be “stolen” by its competitors.

Ward-based campaign machine

DCP adopted a ward-based strategy that placed experienced leaders in charge of different parts of the constituency.

Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia coordinated activities in Mirangine Ward, former Health Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki led campaigns in Kanjuiri Ward, Kiriita MCA Milcah Wanjiru oversaw Kaimbaga Ward, while Rurii Ward was under the supervision of Nderi Ndiani, a Nyandarua gubernatorial aspirant in 2027.

Nyandarua Senator John Methu, DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua, Ol Kalou MP-elect Sammy Douglas Kamau and other leaders who led his campaigns. Photo/Handout

Within Karau Ward, Gathungu marshalled volunteers and local campaign teams in an effort to maximise voter turnout and strengthen the party’s presence at the grassroots.

The coordinated approach enabled the relatively young party to compete effectively against the ruling UDA, demonstrating the importance of local leadership in modern political campaigns.

Recognition and 2027 ambitions

The campaign team’s efforts were recognised during a meeting held at DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua’s Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri County on Monday, July 20, where party officials and leaders from Ol Kalou gathered to celebrate the victory.

Nyandarua Senator and DCP Secretary-General John Methu commended the ward coordinators for their contribution to the historic win.

“The team really helped us,” Methu said.

For Gathungu, the victory was the culmination of weeks of sacrifice and hard work.

“The sleepless nights I spent outside home. Thanks, our Party Leader H.E. Rigathi Gachagua, EGH, SG Kaba Methu and our Patron Wanjiku Muhia for entrusting me with the opportunity to coordinate Karau ward. We thank God for giving us the first born of DCP, Hon Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru – Ngotho MP-elect Ol Kalou Constituency,” he said.

The successful campaign has also elevated Gathungu’s political profile ahead of the 2027 General Election, where he is eyeing the Ndaragwa parliamentary seat on a DCP ticket.

His role in helping deliver DCP’s maiden parliamentary victory has positioned him among the emerging faces of the party in Nyandarua County.

As DCP seeks to build on the Ol Kalou triumph and expand its influence across the Mt Kenya region, leaders who proved their organisational ability during the by-election are expected to play a central role in shaping the party’s future electoral fortunes.