Kindiki Responds After Gachagua-Linked DCP Candidate Finishes Strong Second in Emurua Dikirr By-Election

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has finally spoken following the closely watched Emurua Dikirr Constituency by-election, where a candidate linked to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Democratic Congress Party (DCP) finished second in a race that attracted national political attention.

The by-election, held on May 14, ended with United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate David Kipsang Keter emerging victorious after securing 18,266 votes. 

His closest challenger was DCP candidate Vincent Kibet Rotich, who managed 10,760 votes in what many political observers described as a significant performance for the opposition-linked camp.

The results were officially announced by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Returning Officer Caleb Gekonde, who confirmed Keter as the Member of National Assembly-elect for Emurua Dikirr Constituency.

Speaking publicly after the results, Kindiki downplayed the political shock around the outcome and instead placed it within the historical voting behavior of the constituency. 

According to him, Emurua Dikirr has consistently experienced competitive elections since it was created in 2013, with strong runners-up often emerging even when the ruling coalition retains control.

“Voting patterns for Emurua Dikirr have been the same since the creation of the Constituency in 2013, always the runner-up in the election making a strong showing,” Kindiki stated.

His remarks appeared aimed at calming speculation that the strong showing by Gachagua-linked DCP candidates signals a major political shift against the ruling coalition. 

Analysts have been paying close attention to DCP’s recent performances, viewing them as early indicators of how future political contests may unfold ahead of the next general election.

Despite the political undertones surrounding the by-election, Kindiki also praised residents of Emurua Dikirr for maintaining peace and refusing political incitement during the entire electoral process.

“Thank you, Emurua Dikirr for refusing incitement, choosing to transact your differences of political opinion peacefully,” he added.

His message highlighted the peaceful nature of the by-election, noting that there were no major reports of violence, chaos, or serious disruptions before, during, or after the vote.

The outcome has since sparked fresh political debate across Kenya, particularly regarding the growing visibility of DCP-aligned candidates in areas traditionally seen as UDA strongholds. 

While UDA retained the seat, the strong second-place finish by Rotich has been viewed by some as a warning sign of changing political dynamics.