Speaking during a recent podcast interview, the former Ndaragwa MP said DCP could gain momentum if it succeeds in electing its first Member of Parliament through the Ol Kalou contest.
“If the DCP party thinks that by winning the Ol Kalou by-election and having the first-ever MP elected to the party, they will have an impact, maybe they should be allowed to proceed with it,” Kioni stated.
However, the Jubilee Party secretary general maintained that by-elections rarely determine the outcome of a general election, arguing that national political dynamics are often very different from local contests.
Kioni further explained that, as a senior party official, he does not place too much political weight on by-elections because they have little influence on the final direction of presidential elections.
At the same time, he appeared to criticise the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), noting that although the party has managed to secure several by-election victories in recent years, many Kenyans are still dissatisfied with the current administration.
According to Kioni, opposition parties also face financial disadvantages whenever by-elections are held because the government has access to significantly more campaign resources.
“Conducting by-elections under the current regime means very little since opposition parties do not have the financial muscle to match the government,” he said.
The remarks come amid heightened political activity in Ol Kalou, where DCP supporters recently attracted attention after turning up in large numbers during the submission of nomination papers by candidates seeking the parliamentary seat.
Political observers noted that the crowds accompanying the DCP candidate appeared larger and more energetic compared to those of rival opposition parties, including Jubilee.
The situation sparked debate within Jubilee ranks, with some leaders questioning whether the party was fully committed to aggressively campaigning for the seat.
Meanwhile, DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua has expressed confidence that the party will win the by-election, arguing that such a victory would send a strong political message nationally and help build momentum ahead of 2027.
Gachagua has since tasked party officials, including John Methu and Wanjiku Muhia, with spearheading the campaign for DCP candidate Samuel Kamau Ngotho as competition for the seat intensifies.
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