Rigathi Gachagua Cancels London Trip to Oversee DCP Nominations Ahead of Ol Kalou By-Election
The by-election was gazetted by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission after the seat fell vacant following the death of Ol Kalou MP David Njuguna Kiaraho.
The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua speaks to Ruiru residents in Kiambu County on April 17, 2026. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has cancelled a planned trip to London, opting instead to remain in the country to oversee party nominations ahead of the upcoming Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.
In a statement shared by the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), Gachagua said he would prioritise preparations for the mini-poll as the party positions itself to field a candidate.
“I will prioritise overseeing the nominations process as we prepare for the Ol Kalou by-election,” Gachagua said.
The by-election was officially declared by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) following the vacancy created by the death of Ol Kalou Member of Parliament David Njuguna Kiaraho.
According to an IEBC notice, Moses Wetang’ula formally declared the seat vacant through a special Gazette Notice issued on April 20, in line with constitutional and electoral laws.
Kiaraho passed away on March 29, 2026, while undergoing treatment at The Nairobi Hospital.
The IEBC has scheduled the by-election for Thursday, July 16, 2026, setting the stage for what is expected to be a highly competitive race as political parties begin internal nomination processes.
The Ol Kalou contest is likely to attract significant political attention, with parties mobilising support in a bid to secure the parliamentary seat.
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