Nyandarua Senator John Methu has revealed the significant physical toll of a hard-fought political campaign. Following the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election on 16 July 2026, the Senator shared evidence of a dramatic change in his appearance.
Methu spearheaded an intensive grassroots campaign that lasted several weeks. This effort was aimed at securing a seat for the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP). By the end of the exercise, the Senator had lost 12 kilograms.
The Price of the Crown
After the results were finalised, Senator Methu took to social media to reflect on the journey. He posted a photograph of himself standing on a digital weighing scale. The scale showed a current weight of 72.10 kg.
The Senator indicated that the rigors of the campaign trail were more effective than traditional weight-loss methods. He suggested that the constant movement and pressure of the election replaced the need for a gym.
In his post, he stated: "Every crown comes at a price." He followed this by saying, "Wachana na one meal a day na kushinda gym, simama kiti." He concluded the update by confirming he was "12 kilos down."
The by-election was triggered by the death of the sitting Member of Parliament, David Njuguna Kiaraho. His passing left a vacancy that drew intense interest from various political camps. Senator Methu took charge of the DCP’s strategy to fill this gap.
The campaign culminated in a landslide victory for the DCP candidate, Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru, popularly known as Ngotho. This win was a major milestone for the party. It marked the first time the Democracy for Citizens Party secured an elected seat in the National Assembly.
By-Election Statistics
The scale of the victory managed by Senator Methu was reflected in the final numbers. The DCP candidate far outpaced his closest rival from the UDA party.
- Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru (DCP): 35,440 votes.
- Samuel Muchina Nyaga (UDA): 5,450 votes.
Grassroots Strategy Pays Off
Senator Methu’s approach relied heavily on direct engagement with the people of Ol Kalou. This "grassroots" method required him to be on his feet constantly. The strategy proved effective in shifting the political landscape of the region.
