By Anderson Ojwang’
They woke up before sunrise. The drums of war rang in every corner of the village. The old, young and elderly trudged to the polling stations.
They braved the morning breeze, the sweltering afternoon heat and the evening cold and waited patiently to make a statement through the votes.
A statement of intent. When action spoke louder than words. The people celebrated. In Ol Kalou, they spoke and the people prevailed.
People’s power spoke louder than the goodies and the money that was witnessed during the campaigns.
Not even the heavy presence of security details and free-flowing money could change the resolve of the electorate.
A new journey and dispensation was birthed in the land of settlers and rebels. Ol Kalou, just like Kipipiri in the 1995 by-election, did not disappoint, and history repeated itself. Just like the ruling party Kanu was vanquished in Kipipiri, so was UDA in Ol Kalou, humbled and humiliated.
What is people’s power?
People power is a political slogan and concept describing the grassroots driving force of social movements, where ordinary citizens mobilise to challenge corporate or political establishments. It highlights collective willpower, participatory democracy, and the assertion that ultimate sovereignty belongs to the people, rather than ruling elites.
In democratic nations—such as Kenya, where Article 1 of the Constitution establishes that all sovereign power belongs to the people—people power means citizens can exercise authority directly or through elected representatives. It is the legal and moral justification for public protests, referendums, and civic accountability.
Nyandarua Senator John Methu and the residents came up with a new political mantra and movement of “Sh10 versus Sh1 billion” for the parliamentary by-election.
This was in reference to the alleged remarks by former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria, who called the DCP candidate Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru – Ngotho a “chokora” (street kid), prompting residents to raise funds for the purchase of a suit for his swearing-in as MP-elect.
He wrote on his social media platforms: “And 2,823 souls gave 10 shillings each to buy a suit for the swearing-in of the incoming Ol Kalou MP Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru – Ngotho. Moses Kuria called him a chokoraa, and the people have decided to make lemonade out of the lemon.”
He continued: “Last Tuesday, Mugumo villagers agreed to contribute 10 shillings each when they come today, to buy a brand new suit for the swearing-in of the incoming MP Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru – Ngotho after Mr William Samoei Ruto, through his most trusted lieutenant Moses Kuria, called him a chokoraa. Pesa wametoa nyingi.”
For Methu, the Sh10 contributions run deeper than just financial support – it is love and a morale booster ahead of the July 16th by-election.
“The 10 shillings movement really boosts our morale ahead of the 16th July moment of truth. It’s not the money, it’s the love. Ata Mpesa imehang vile mmetum. Siku ingine mtu akiitana chokoraa atajua ata chokora ako na watu wao. Ukiona mama amefunga kumi kwa handkerchief ya kuletea Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru – Ngotho ujue huku mambo ni noma. It’s 10 shillings versus 1 billion,” he wrote.
Deflated
And even before the centre referee could blow the final whistle to end the game, President William Ruto’s close confidant and political strategist, Kapsaret MP Oscar Sudi, threw in the towel.
The margin was so scary and humbling that Sudi could not hold any longer and raced to his social media platforms to congratulate the DCP candidate and eventual winner, Waweru Ngotho.
Sudi wrote: “I want to congratulate Hon. Sammy Kamau Waweru for winning the Ol Kalou by-election. Thumbs up also to Samuel Muchina Nyagah for a well-fought race. I was on the ground, and I respect the decision made by the people of Ol Kalou. This administration of President William Ruto was formed by the people of Murima, and they are still part of this Government. Now, my people, let us move forward.”
Deputy President Prof Abraham Kindiki Kithure followed suit by congratulating the winner and facing the reality of a loss to his bitter rival and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Kindiki wrote: “Congratulations Sammy Douglas Waweru Kamau on your imminent victory in the by-election held today for the MP seat for Ol Kalou constituency. Unite the residents and serve them all without distinction. Congratulations Samuel Muchina, our UDA Party candidate, for a good show and a mature, issue-based campaign devoid of insults. You may not have succeeded today, but your star shines bright into the future.”
People’s power
Co-Principal of Linda Mwananchi and Siaya Governor James Orengo said the ordinary people won at the Ol Kalou by-election.
Orengo wrote: “DCP’s Sammy Douglas Waweru’s decisive win in Ol Kalou represents a triumph for ordinary citizens. It is a clear signal that the ground has shifted, and President Ruto should prepare for a single term. From Mt. Kenya to the Lake region, the people have spoken, it is WAN-TAM.”
Murang’a Governor Irungu Kangata said his trip to the county was not in vain despite the attack and injuries.
“Congrats Sammy. You fought very hard. Our trip to Nyahururu was not in vain despite the injuries,” he wrote.
Why the people will have a say in 2027 and not money
Ol Kalou has set a precedent. It is not about money but the will of the masses. If it was about money, then UDA candidate Muchina could have won the election.
A new chapter and a new dispensation. What and which is the hope to the people?
An interesting 2027 general elections, a return to the drawing board for the government and for the opposition.
