As campaigns for the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election draw to a close ahead of the 48-hour campaign blackout mandated by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), several leaders from different political parties have thrown their support behind Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Sammy Kamau Waweru.
For much of the campaign period, the DCP campaign has been led by Nyandarua Senator John Methu, Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia, and former Water Cabinet Secretary Cecily Kariuki, who have traversed the constituency mobilising support for the party's candidate.
As the race enters its final stretch, however, more leaders from outside the party have joined the campaign trail in an effort to bolster Waweru's bid against United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Samuel Muchina.
Peter Salasya joins campaign
Among the most prominent leaders backing the DCP candidate is Mumias East MP Peter Salasya, a member of the Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K).
Salasya joined the Ol Kalou campaign days after visiting former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri County. He later appeared alongside Nyandarua Senator John Methu during campaign activities in the constituency.
The legislator urged Ol Kalou voters to support Waweru, describing him as the opposition's preferred candidate in the contest against the UDA candidate, who has received significant backing from the ruling administration.
"Politics is local. Thanks, Kaba Methu, for making it look local and for the people of Ol Kalou. Sitting down with the electorate was something so unique," Salasya said after arriving in Ol Kalou.
The Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election has attracted national attention, with leaders from both the government and opposition intensifying campaigns ahead of polling day.
