Kamau Ngotho of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) has been elected the new Member of Parliament for Ol Kalou after securing a decisive victory in Thursday’s parliamentary by-election.

Results announced by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on Friday morning showed Ngotho received 35,440 votes, comfortably defeating United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Samuel Muchina Nyaga, who garnered 5,450 votes.

Jubilee Party candidate Wilson Kigwa finished third in the closely watched contest.

The by-election drew national attention, with senior political leaders from both sides of the political divide campaigning vigorously in the constituency.

The race was widely viewed as an early political test between President William Ruto’s UDA and the Democracy for the Citizens Party, led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Voting, however, was overshadowed by violence in several parts of the constituency.

Reports indicated that armed individuals travelling in unmarked vehicles disrupted the exercise, with residents, journalists and political supporters among those affected.

Police also used tear gas to disperse crowds at some polling centres after tensions escalated, leaving several people injured.

The election was called following the death of former Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho, making it the constituency’s first parliamentary by-election since the 2022 General Election.

The campaign period was equally contentious, with rival camps trading accusations over alleged vote-buying and cash handouts as they sought to win support from voters.

Ngotho’s victory now hands DCP a significant political boost and is likely to influence the strategies of both the ruling party and the opposition as preparations for the 2027 General Election gather momentum.