Traffic disrupted in Embu as youths celebrate DCP's Ol Kalou by-election victory

Business activities in Embu Town were disrupted on Friday morning after hundreds of youths and boda boda operators took to the streets to celebrate the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) victory in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.

The celebrations brought traffic to a near standstill along the busy Embu–Meru Highway as motorcycle riders hooted, waved party colours and sang in solidarity with the people of Ol Kalou following the outcome of Thursday's poll.

DCP candidate Sammy Douglas Kamau Ngotho was declared the winner after securing 35,440 votes, defeating United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Samuel Muchina Nyagah, who garnered 5,450 votes.

The fiercely contested by-election attracted national attention and was widely viewed by political analysts as a key test of DCP leader and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's growing political influence. The victory also handed the party its first seat in the National Assembly.

The celebrations in Embu were led by local politician and youth leader James Ireri, popularly known as "Soldier", who praised Ol Kalou residents for what he described as their determination to defend their democratic rights at the ballot despite alleged intimidation, threats and harassment during the campaign period.

"The level of maturity and commitment demonstrated by the people of Ol Kalou in protecting their vote was remarkable. Despite the challenges they allegedly faced, they remained steadfast and ensured their voice was heard through the ballot," Ireri said.

Ireri further alleged that similar tactics had been witnessed during the Mbeere North by-election held in November last year, claiming opposition supporters were intimidated by hooded armed police officers, an interference he argued denied the opposition victory.

He said the Ol Kalou outcome signalled the growing popularity of DCP across the country and warned politicians still aligned to UDA that they risked losing elective seats in the 2027 General Election if the current political momentum continues.

"The DCP wave in the Mt Kenya region is unstoppable. We are confident the party will secure seats across all levels of leadership—from Members of County Assemblies to governors, senators, Members of Parliament and women representatives," he stated.

Ireri also urged residents of the Mt Kenya region to remain united, accusing Public Works and Human Capital Development Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku of sponsoring political divisions in the region.

He further condemned what he termed as ethnic profiling, stereotyping and divisive political rhetoric allegedly propagated by some Cabinet Secretaries serving in President William Ruto's administration.

The jubilant youths also turned their criticism towards Embu Governor and UDA National Chairperson Cecily Mbarire, accusing her administration of failing to deliver key development projects and fulfil campaign pledges made ahead of the 2022 General Election.

The demonstrations remained peaceful, although they caused significant traffic congestion within Embu Town as motorists waited for the procession to clear.