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I wasn’t particularly invested in the Ol Kalou by-election for two reasons. First, I had no direct interest in the contest. Second, neither of the two main rival parties inspired confidence in me.
That said, I found myself hoping DCP would defeat UDA for one reason: the government side appeared to be relying on the same old tactics of splashing money and handouts to win votes. I have never liked that style of politics. It is an outdated approach that no longer addresses the realities facing Kenyans. People are looking for lasting solutions to the economic hardships they face – not a KSh 500 handout during campaigns.
On the other hand, I am not particularly enthusiastic about DCP’s leader either. From my perspective, whenever he secures a political victory, he tends to use it as a platform to dominate and intimidate his colleagues within the opposition rather than strengthen unity. That is a tendency I find worrying.
For that reason, I believe the ideal outcome for Ol Kalou would have been the election of a strong, independent-minded candidate – someone who belonged neither to Gachagua’s camp nor President Ruto’s camp. Such a result would have sent a stronger message that voters are willing to support leaders based on merit and ideas rather than political camps.
