Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has intensified his campaign for the upcoming Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, declaring that the "Kasongo hotels" established by President William Ruto's allies in the constituency had been "officially shut" following the conclusion of campaigns.
In a strongly worded statement issued after wrapping up his campaign activities, Gachagua used the now familiar "Kasongo hotels" metaphor to refer to temporary campaign bases allegedly established by political rivals, claiming they had failed to win over residents despite what he described as heavy spending and attempts to influence voters.
"I have the duty and moral authority to officially announce that all Kasongo hotels that were opened in Ol Kalou and operated by his collaborators in hubris and betrayal, and partners in corruption and the looting of public resources are officially shut and shall remain so," Gachagua said.
He urged residents who had frequented the campaign centres to "return home," saying the election should be decided by the will of the people rather than financial inducements.
The former deputy president praised Ol Kalou residents for maintaining peace throughout the campaign period, saying they had resisted attempts to divide communities and rejected monetary incentives intended to sway their votes.
"I thank the great residents and people of Ol Kalou for conducting peaceful campaigns as expected. Many thanks for rejecting bribes to sell your voting rights and betray the very soul of our nation and the Constitution of Kenya 2010," he said.
Gachagua maintained that the constituency had remained peaceful because residents understood they shared common interests despite political differences.
He also appealed to voters to turn out in large numbers on Wednesday, July 16, and elect Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Sammy Kamau Waweru as the next Member of Parliament.
The former deputy president called on supporters to exercise restraint during the voting exercise, alleging there could be attempts to provoke violence.
"I urge you to maintain peace and exercise restraint. Do not react to provocation by state-sponsored goons and rogue police officers," he said.
Gachagua thanked the DCP campaign team led by Senator John Methu and MP Wanjiku Muhia for what he described as a vigorous but peaceful campaign. He also acknowledged volunteers, elected leaders allied to the party, the Itungati family, supporters and well-wishers for mobilising behind Waweru's candidature.
He singled out the party's parliamentary candidate for praise, describing him as energetic and determined throughout the campaign period.
"I thank our candidate Hon. Sammy Kamau Waweru for great energy and resolve during the campaign trail," he said.
The former deputy president said he would spend election day at his Wamunyoro home before joining supporters later in the evening to await the outcome of the vote.
"I am relaxing in Wamunyoro, waiting to celebrate with the residents of Ol Kalou on Thursday at 9 p.m.," he said.
The Ol Kalou by-election has attracted national attention, with both the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition and the opposition-backed DCP treating the contest as a key political test ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The outcome is expected to provide an indication of the growing political contest between President Ruto's allies and Gachagua, who has sought to consolidate support in the Mt Kenya region since leaving office. Campaigns officially ended ahead of polling, with candidates and their supporters now expected to observe the legally prescribed campaign silence before voters head to the ballot.
