Democracy for Citizens Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua has appealed to Ol Kalou residents to turn out in large numbers and vote in Thursday’s by-election, describing the exercise as an opportunity to restore the constituency’s dignity and honour.
In a lengthy statement issued on Thursday morning, Gachagua invoked the legacy of freedom fighters, including the late JM Kariuki and Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi, urging residents to honour their sacrifice through the ballot.
“My good people of Olkalou, the land of the late JM Kariuki, that gallant fighter who fought for the downtrodden, cast your eyes early this morning to the Aberdares Forest, where Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi led the armed struggle against the British colonialists who had taken our land and our freedom,” he said.
He called on voters to continue streaming to polling stations, saying the election was about safeguarding the community’s pride.
“As the descendants and remnants of the Mau Mau fighters, restore the dignity of our people. Continue flowing to the polling stations as you have done early this morning and affirm our dignity and pride,” Gachagua stated.
The former deputy president also urged residents not to be swayed by external influence, adding, “We are priceless and will never sell our birthright to anyone, no matter the price. You have withstood intimidation and remain fearless.”
Gachagua further reserved special praise for young people whom he said had accompanied elderly voters to polling stations.
“To our young men, thank you for waking up early to protect and escort your parents and your parents’ age mates to go and vote. That is your cardinal duty in our society, and I am very proud of you,” he said.
He also lauded women in the constituency for what he described as their steadfast leadership.
“To our mothers, I have no words to express my joy that you have guided us well so that we shall never betray our people,” he added.
The former deputy president appealed to residents who had not yet voted to do so before midday.
“For those still at home, please hurry up and cast your vote, the very vote that we are waiting for to restore our dignity as a people,” he said, adding that those who supported his cause should ensure they had voted by 11 a.m.
Gachagua further called on younger residents to remain vigilant after voting as election officials conclude the electoral process.
“As our mothers and the elderly go back home to wait for the declaration of victory, the young and strong will remain behind, vigilant and alert, to make sure the will of the people is safeguarded,” he said.
He said Kenyans from several counties, including Kiambu, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Embu, Meru, Tharaka-Nithi, Laikipia, Nakuru and Nairobi, were following the by-election closely and were encouraged by reports of high voter turnout.
Concluding his message, Gachagua expressed confidence that the outcome of the poll would reflect the will of the electorate.
“I love you, Ol Kalou, and I am sure I will love you even more before we go to bed tonight. God bless Ol Kalou,” he said.
