No convoy, no flashy SUV: Ol Kalou MP-elect Sammy Ngotho takes matatu to Parliament for swearing-in
By Katemarthason Okudo, July 28, 2026Ol Kalou MP-elect Sammy Douglas Waweru Kamau has caught the attention of Kenyans after choosing to board a public service matatu to Parliament for his swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday, July 28, instead of travelling in the convoys and luxury SUVs commonly associated with politicians during major public events.
The MP-elect shared photos on his official Facebook page while aboard the matatu, revealing he was on his way to Parliament, where he is expected to take the oath of office during the National Assembly’s afternoon sitting.
“On our way to Parliament for the swearing-in ceremony. Grateful to God and the people of Ol Kalou for this honour,” he wrote.
Set to officially begin parliamentary duties
The swearing-in ceremony comes nearly two weeks after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) declared the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidate the winner of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.
According to the electoral commission, Kamau garnered 35,440 votes to defeat United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Samuel Muchina Nyaga, who received 5,450 votes. The by-election was held on July 16 following the death of former Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho, creating a vacancy in the National Assembly.
Once sworn in, Kamau will officially assume office as the Member of Parliament for Ol Kalou, representing the constituency in legislative debates, committee work and oversight of government programmes.
The by-election attracted national attention and was widely viewed as an early test of political strength ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Calls for unity after election victory
Moments after he was declared the winner, Kamau called for unity, urging residents and his political competitors to work together for the benefit of the constituency.
“Asiyekubali kushindwa si mshindani. Leo ni mimi, na kesho bado si nyinyi. 2027 bado ni mimi. All the ideas that you had, I listened to you, and you had great, brilliant ideas that we can always share for the betterment of Ol Kalou. We can always engage,” he said.
He also extended an olive branch to his closest rival, saying elections should not divide leaders after the results have been declared.
“It’s good that you conceded defeat. I also want to extend a hand; you are a brother. We will interact during the handover, and we can engage for the benefit of the people of Ol Kalou,” he added.
A different start to public office
While swearing-in ceremonies are often marked by heavy security details, motorcades and luxury vehicles ferrying elected leaders to Parliament, Kamau’s decision to travel by matatu offered a different image as he prepared to begin his first day in office.
Whether symbolic or simply a personal choice, the journey has become one of the talking points ahead of his swearing-in, adding another chapter to a political journey that began with a commanding victory in the Ol Kalou by-election.