Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has said the outcome of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election has sent a clear message that Kenyan voters are becoming more independent, insisting that while politicians may distribute money during campaigns, the final decision is made at the ballot based on individual conviction.
The governor spoke as political debate continues over the by-election, where DCP candidate Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru won with 35,440 votes against UDA’s Samuel Muchina Nyagah, who garnered 5,450 votes. The contest has attracted national attention, with many viewing it as an early indication of the political landscape ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during an interview on Radio Generation, Kang’ata said the result should not only be interpreted as a victory for one political side over another but as evidence that Kenyans are increasingly making independent choices when they vote.
“I look at the larger message, which is that Kenyans can be given money, take it, but vote with their conscience, vote wisely,” he said.
Although some political observers have argued that the outcome strengthened former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s political standing, Kang’ata said his focus was on what the election revealed about the changing behaviour of voters rather than the fortunes of individual politicians.
He said Ol Kalou has, over the years, built a reputation for voting against candidates perceived to have the backing of the government, noting that the constituency has repeatedly produced anti-establishment results dating back to the time of the late JM Kariuki and subsequent by-elections.
“There has been a lot of quite major anti-establishment votes in that constituency,” he said.
Kang’ata also raised concern over the violence witnessed during the by-election campaigns, warning that such incidents point to weakening democratic institutions and growing intolerance in political competition.
He blamed the trend on what he described as a “neo-patrimonial leadership style”, saying politics has increasingly become centred on individuals instead of institutions.
“It is where leadership becomes highly personal instead of institutions working. It is more about the person,” he said.
According to the governor, such leadership creates an environment where accountability is weakened and some individuals feel emboldened to engage in violence without fear of consequences.
He further linked the problem to youth unemployment, poverty and political rivalry driven by leaders who fear losing office.
“Our leaders need to have that notion that power is transient. You won’t stay there forever. Kenya ought to exist beyond individuals,” he said.
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Kang’ata, who said he was among opposition leaders caught up in violence during the Ol Kalou campaigns, condemned the attacks, describing them as inhumane and counterproductive.
“Violence is so inhumane, it’s so wrong, it’s so immoral, and it doesn’t even help the best interests of the governing party,” he said.
He called on leaders across the political divide to reject intimidation and instead seek public support through peaceful campaigns and persuasion.
“You get power through persuasion,” Kang’ata said. “You must be happy and be ready to get power and to lose power. That’s the name of the game.”