Democracy for the Citizens Party candidate David Wanyoike Warui was declared the winner of the Kariobangi North Ward by-election on Thursday, giving the emerging party another foothold in Nairobi.
Warui polled 2,282 votes, beating independent candidate Kimanzi John Katua who garnered 1,956 votes, according to results announced by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission at the ward tallying centre in Kariobangi North Primary School. Orange Democratic Movement candidate Michael Ouma Majua finished third with 1,351 votes, while United Democratic Alliance candidate Julius Njoka Maina took fourth place with 955 votes. Kenya African National Union candidate Peter Kariuki came last with 220 votes.
The by-election was called after the death in June of former MCA Joel Munuve.
Warui calls for unity after victory
Moments after IEBC returning officer Anne Ndirangu declared him winner, the MCA-elect addressed hundreds of jubilant supporters outside the tallying hall.
“Politics is not enmity; life must continue. I ask my rivals to come and let us work together for the people of Kariobangi North,” Warui said as the crowd waved green-and-white DCP flags.
He described the win as a defining moment for the party’s national ambitions.
“When Nairobi speaks, the nation has spoken. This victory is a clear statement of what Kenyans should expect in 2027. My election means DCP will be a formidable force come 2027,” he told the gathering.
Another boost for fast-rising DCP
Thursday’s result marks the second ward-level victory for Democracy for the Citizens Party in recent months, following the capture of Kisa East Ward in Kwisero Constituency, Kakamega County.
Residents who spoke to reporters late into the night expressed hope that the new MCA would tackle perennial problems such as poor drainage, inadequate street lighting and youth unemployment.
The defeat of candidates from both the ruling United Democratic Alliance and the main opposition Azimio coalition has intensified debate about the shifting political landscape ahead of the next general election.
As David Wanyoike Warui prepares to take his seat at City Hall, the DCP banner flies higher in the capital, underlining that Kenya’s political map may see more changes in the coming years.
