The fledgling Democracy for the Citizens Party has recorded its first elective victory after candidate Aduda Okwiri emerged winner in Wednesday’s tightly contested Kisa East ward by-election in Kakamega county.
Okwiri garnered 1,952 votes to defeat 10 opponents, with his nearest rival Joel Ongoro of the Movement for Democracy and Growth polling 1,541 votes, according to results released by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
The win delivers the young party its maiden seat in an elected house and has been greeted with jubilation by members who see it as evidence that smaller parties can challenge the grip of traditional giants.
Historic first for young party
“This is only the beginning,” a beaming Okwiri told journalists outside the Khwisero tallying centre, surrounded by DCP officials led by secretary-general Cleophas Malala. “Residents of Kisa East have shown they are ready for fresh leadership and new ideas.”
The by-election was called after the murder last year of former ward representative Stephen Maloba, who was attacked and killed by unknown assailants, leaving the area without representation for months.
Crowded race
Ten candidates contested the seat, making it one of the most crowded mini-polls in recent memory.
They included Abraham Ayaya of Democratic Action Party of Kenya, Khatete Mumia (KANU), David Muchelule (Agano Party), Douglas Shitote (United Democratic Party), Raphael Namai (Democratic National Alliance), Pauline Uside (Justice and Freedom Party), John Masetu of Orange Democratic Movement and Stephen Amwayi of United Democratic Movement.
Okwiri’s campaign, anchored on pledges to improve roads, water supply and youth empowerment programmes, appears to have struck a chord with voters.
Voter turnout stood at just over 48%, with 6,214 valid votes cast from more than 13,000 registered voters in the ward.
Wider implications
Political observers say the outcome could provide crucial momentum for Democracy for the Citizens Party, especially in the western region where it has been steadily building structures.
Celebrations erupted across Kisa East as soon as results were announced. Motorbikes carrying excited youth criss-crossed trading centres with horns blaring while supporters danced under floodlights chanting “DCP! DCP!”
The member of county assembly-elect is expected to be sworn in next week.
