With voting underway in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called on residents to turn out in large numbers, describing every ballot as a vote to restore the community's dignity and pride.
In a message released on Thursday morning, Gachagua urged eligible voters who had not yet cast their ballots to head to polling stations, while encouraging those who had already voted to remain calm and allow the electoral process to continue peacefully.
"My good people of Olkalou, the land of the late JM Kariuki, that gallant fighter who fought for the downtrodden," Gachagua said as he paid tribute to the constituency's political history and the legacy of the Mau Mau struggle.
He urged residents to "continue flowing to the polling stations as you have done early this morning and affirm our dignity and pride."
Gachagua said the by-election gives the community an opportunity to stand firm and make its voice heard through the ballot.
"We are priceless and will never sell our birthright to anyone, no matter the price," he said, adding that he was proud of the resilience and determination shown by residents.
The former Deputy President also commended young people who had accompanied elderly voters to polling stations, saying they had demonstrated responsibility by ensuring older members of the community were able to participate in the election.
"To our young men, thank you for waking up early to protect and escort your parents and your parents' age mates to go and vote. That is your cardinal duty in our society, and I am very proud of you," he said.
He also praised women in the constituency, saying they had continued to provide leadership and guidance.
"To our mothers, I have no words to express my joy that you have guided us well so that we shall never betray our people."
Gachagua appealed to residents who were still at home to vote before midday, saying he had made a similar request during an earlier interview on Inooro TV.
"For those still at home, please hurry up and cast your vote, the very vote that we are waiting for to restore our dignity as a people," he said.
He expressed optimism that the outcome of the by-election would reflect the wishes of the electorate, saying he believed the community's dignity would be restored before the end of the day.
The by-election is being held to fill the parliamentary seat left vacant following the death of Jubilee Party MP David Njuguna Kiaraho on March 29, 2026.
The contest has attracted national attention, with political leaders closely watching the outcome as an early test of political influence in the Mt. Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election.