Nyandarua Senator and newly appointed Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) Secretary General John Methu has claimed the outcome of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election reflects a growing political shift ahead of the 2027 General Election, arguing that determined voters can overcome political intimidation and state-backed campaigns.
Speaking on Citizen TV on Sunday, Methu described the result as a defining political moment, saying residents had demonstrated that elections could not be decided by campaign spending or state influence.
"I am very grateful about what happened in Ol Kalou," Methu said, noting that he had spent nearly two months on the campaign trail mobilising voters.
He argued that the by-election sent a broader message beyond Nyandarua County.
"Nothing would beat the spirit of a determined population," he said, adding that the contest had shown voters would ultimately decide elections regardless of the resources deployed during campaigns.
Methu claimed residents accepted government projects and campaign donations but still voted according to their convictions.
"A person who voted in Ol Kalou woke up having slept on a mattress given by the government, cooked tea with a gas cylinder that was given by the government... and went to vote for Sammy Ngotho," he said, arguing that development projects could not substitute for public trust.
The senator alleged that violence witnessed during polling was intended to suppress voter turnout, claiming armed gangs disrupted voting in several polling stations.
He criticised security authorities over their handling of the incidents, accusing them of failing to act against those responsible and calling for accountability.
The lawmaker also questioned official descriptions of the by-election as peaceful, arguing that the level of violence reported in parts of the constituency warranted thorough investigations.
Despite the incidents, Methu said the opposition viewed the by-election as proof that voters could protect the integrity of the electoral process through high turnout and vigilance.
"Election day... will be democracy day. You vote and protect your vote," he said.
Looking ahead to the 2027 General Election, Methu said his party's immediate priority was strengthening its grassroots structures and conducting credible nominations for aspiring candidates.
"We are committed as a party to ensure that we give the people who will be running on our party a free and fair nomination," he said.
He maintained that the Ol Kalou outcome had strengthened the opposition's belief that future elections would be decided by voter participation rather than political spending, while urging leaders across the country to prioritise peaceful, credible, and democratic electoral contests.