A political storm is brewing in Olkalou following growing concerns among Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) aspirants over how campaign funds are being raised and spent during ongoing grassroots mobilisation activities.
At the centre of the controversy is Senator Methu, who has been conducting community engagement drives in which residents reportedly receive Ksh 200, retain Ksh 150, and are asked to contribute Ksh 50 back toward campaign activities. The meetings, which also include provision of tea and bread, have been branded by critics as “costly optics disguised as mobilisation.”
Several aspirants are now questioning the financial logic behind the exercise, arguing that the cost of refreshments and logistics appears to exceed the contributions being collected on the ground. They claim the arrangement raises accountability concerns, especially given that each aspirant allegedly contributed about Ksh 400,000 toward by-election preparations, collectively amounting to approximately Ksh 150 million.
Concerns have also been raised that the funds may not be reflecting transparently in reported grassroots contributions, with fears that higher spending on mobilisation events could distort the actual financial picture.
The controversy has been further inflamed by political messaging around aspirant Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru (Ngotho), who has been presented at some forums as a beneficiary of community goodwill efforts aimed at helping him purchase a suit following public remarks by former Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria.
Senator Methu has dismissed the criticism, arguing that the campaign is focused on building emotional connection between candidates and voters. He maintains that spending on grassroots engagement is a necessary investment, even if it appears costly in the short term, insisting that some critics are failing to understand modern political mobilisation dynamics.
Despite the defence, tensions within DCP continue to rise, with internal divisions emerging over strategy, accountability, and leadership style. Party insiders warn that if unresolved, the dispute could escalate further as the by-election approaches.
