Moses Kuria Concedes Defeat in Ol Kalou By-Election, Congratulates MP-Elect Sammy Kamau Ngotho
OL KALOU, NYANDARUA COUNTY — Former Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has officially conceded defeat following the highly contested Ol Kalou Parliamentary by-election, congratulating Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Sammy Kamau Ngotho on his decisive victory.
Photo/Moses Kuria in Ol Kalou Campaigning for UDA
candidate Muchina Nyagah
(X)https://x.com/i/status/2076658121921990803
The by-election attracted national attention as political parties mounted intensive campaigns in a contest widely viewed as a key test of political strength ahead of the 2027 General Election. After the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) announced the final results, Ngotho emerged the clear winner with overwhelming support from voters across the coconstituency.
Instead of disputing the outcome, Kuria chose the path of statesmanship by accepting the decision made by the people of Ol Kalou. His message focused on unity, development and respect for democracy, earning praise from many political observers.
Kuria Congratulates Sammy Kamau Ngotho
In a statement released on Saturday morning on his X platform, Kuria confirmed that he had personally called the MP-elect to congratulate him on his victory.
"This morning I called MP-Elect Hon. Kamau Ngotho to congratulate him for his resounding victory. The people of Ol Kalou have spoken and it is clear Hon. Ngotho has the overwhelming support of the people of Ol Kalou."
Kuria said elections are an important part of democracy and that leaders should respect the will of the people once voters have made their choice.
His remarks signaled an end to the heated campaigns that had dominated political discussions in Nyandarua County over the past several weeks.
Development Projects Will Continue
One of the key messages in Kuria's statement was his assurance that government development projects in Ol Kalou would continue despite the change in political leadership.
He noted that, as the person who had been coordinating development projects on behalf of the government, he had assured MP-elect Sammy Kamau Ngotho that ongoing projects would not be affected by the election outcome.
According to Kuria, development should benefit every resident regardless of political affiliation.
He emphasized that democracy and development can move forward together, adding that elections should never stop projects that improve the lives of citizens.
Major Projects Listed by Kuria
Kuria highlighted several major projects that he said will continue without interruption.
Among them is the construction of Nyandarua University, which is expected to increase access to higher education for students from Nyandarua County and neighbouring regions.
He also confirmed that major road projects will continue, including the tarmacking of the Ithagani–Nyaituga–Ngorika–Kanyiriti Road and the Lake Ol Bolosat access road, both expected to improve transport and boost local business activities.
The former Cabinet Secretary further said the Nairobi–Gilgil–Ol Kalou–Nyahururu railway line will continue operating daily for cargo transport and twice a week for passenger services.
Electrification, Water and Housing
Kuria said all 36 rural electrification projects will continue until completion, including metering for households that have already been connected to electricity.
He also assured residents that the Central Rift Water Works Agency and Ol Kalou Water Company will continue expanding access to clean water by connecting more homes using pipes that have already been supplied.
Affordable housing projects currently under construction will also proceed as planned. This includes National Housing Corporation (NHC) projects and student hostels at Rurii TVET, with completed houses expected to be handed over to their rightful owners.
Support for Farmers
Agriculture also featured prominently in Kuria's statement.
He revealed that the government plans to distribute 100,000 avocado seedlings, with farmers expected to begin exporting avocados to China once the trees mature over the next two years.
He also said irrigation projects covering approximately 1,000 hectares around Gwa Kiongo Dam will continue supporting year-round farming.
The dairy sector will also benefit through continued support for milk cooling facilities, while beneficiaries of the NYOTA Programme will continue receiving assistance.
Blue Economy and Markets
Kuria added that Blue Economy projects at Lake Ol Bolosat, Gwa Kiongo and Githunguri will remain active.
These projects include fishing activities, improved fishing boats and initiatives aimed at creating employment opportunities for local communities.
He further announced that modernization of markets, including the Ol Kalou Retail Market, Ol Kalou Wholesale Market and Mirangine Modern Market, will continue until completion.
The projects are expected to improve trading conditions for small businesses and increase economic activity within the constituency.
Education and Youth Programmes
Education remains another area expected to benefit from continued government support.
According to Kuria, schools will continue using smartboards and laptop teaching aids already distributed under government education programmes.
The five ward-based Digital Hubs established within the constituency will also remain operational, helping young people access digital skills and online opportunities.
Youth employed under the Climate Workx Programme will continue working until the end of their contracts.
Land and Health Projects
Kuria also confirmed that the Ol Kalou Land Registry will remain operational.
He said the issuance of title deeds to residents living in former colonial villages, including Moa Farm, will continue alongside succession programmes aimed at resolving long-standing land ownership issues.
In the health sector, construction of the Mashujaa Wing at JM Kariuki Hospital will continue, improving healthcare services for residents.
Construction of Ol Kalou Stadium is also expected to proceed until completion.
A Call for Unity
Political analysts say Kuria's acceptance of the election results sends a positive message about democratic leadership and peaceful political transitions.
Instead of prolonging political competition after the vote, his statement encourages leaders to work together for the benefit of citizens.
The gesture is also expected to reduce political tension following one of the most competitive by-elections witnessed in Nyandarua County in recent years.
For MP-elect Sammy Kamau Ngotho, the focus now shifts from campaigning to delivering on the promises made to voters during the election period.
Residents will now be looking forward to seeing how he works with both the national government and county leadership to accelerate development across Ol Kalou.
Democracy and Development Must Go Together
Kuria concluded his statement by saying that democracy and development are not enemies but partners.
He urged leaders to remember that elections are temporary, while development should continue serving the people regardless of political differences.
His closing message captured the spirit of unity that many Kenyans hope to see after every election.
"In a nutshell, both democracy and development will win because elections are not a matter of life and death."
As Ol Kalou begins a new political chapter under the leadership of MP-elect Sammy Kamau Ngotho, residents remain hopeful that the promises of continued infrastructure development, improved public services and economic growth will become a reality in the years ahead