Fighting Brutality and Impunity (FBI) Movement leader Patrick Osoi says the outcome of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election has demonstrated that the power of the ballot remains the strongest weapon in a democracy, following DCP candidate Sammy Kamau Ngotho’s decisive victory over his UDA rival.
The by-election saw the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidate, Sammy Kamau Ngotho, secure a landslide victory after garnering 35,440 votes, defeating United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Samuel Muchina Nyaga, who received 5,450 votes, according to official results announced by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Speaking after the declaration of the results, Osoi said the election had sent a powerful message that lasting political change does not come from a single individual but from citizens who exercise and protect their democratic rights.
“The leader you’re looking for is you; the change you’re looking for is you,” Osoi said.
He argued that the outcome reflected a growing rejection by Kenyans of politics driven by voter bribery, intimidation, tokenism, and impunity, in favour of leadership founded on integrity, accountability, and public service.
Describing the Ol Kalou by-election as a key political indicator ahead of the 2027 General Election, Osoi said the vote had proved that the will of the people can prevail despite allegations of violence, intimidation, and attempts to influence voters.
“The business of believing that change lies in one individual is deceptive politics. Real change lies with the people. When citizens stand together and vote according to their conscience, they become the architects of the future they desire,” he said.
Osoi further emphasized that possessing a voter’s card alone is not enough, urging Kenyans to remain vigilant throughout the electoral process.
“Every vote must be cast, protected, counted, and defended. Democracy is not won merely by voting, it is secured by citizens who ensure that every genuine vote counts,” he stated.
His remarks come after a highly contested by-election that attracted national attention and was widely viewed as a political showdown between President William Ruto’s UDA and the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The election was marred by incidents of violence, with armed men reportedly attacking residents, journalists, and political supporters at several polling stations. Teargas was also used to disperse crowds, leaving several people injured as tensions escalated during voting.
The by-election, triggered by the death of former Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho, recorded a 57 per cent voter turnout, with 41,656 ballots cast out of 73,480 registered voters, according to the IEBC.
Osoi said the Ol Kalou outcome should serve as a wake-up call ahead of the 2027 General Election, urging Kenyans to remain united, organized, and intentional in defending democracy.
“When citizens exercise and protect their collective power, no amount of money, intimidation, hooliganism, or political manipulation can stand against the will of a determined and united people,” he said.
