Douglas Masikonde has been declared the winner of the Narok Town Member of County Assembly (MCA) by-election, securing a pivotal victory for former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's new party. The win signals a potential shift in the political landscape of the Maasai heartland, a region closely watched by national players.

The by-election, held on Thursday, November 27, 2025, was necessitated by the death of the previous MCA, Lukas Kudate, in February. Official results show Masikonde garnered nearly 6,000 votes, defeating his main challenger, Robert Kanyinke Ole Kudate of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), who secured 4,479 votes. Kanyinke is the late MCA's son, whose candidacy was seen by some as a strategic move by the ruling party to retain the seat.

A Tense and Closely Watched Contest

The race for Narok Town was more than a local affair; it became a national political battleground. The campaigns were marked by intense rivalry and heavy police presence, particularly during the final days. DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua accused the government of using intimidation tactics to disrupt his party's rallies, alleging that police blocked his convoy and used teargas on supporters. These events raised concerns among observers about political intolerance ahead of future elections.

Masikonde's victory is a significant achievement for the DCP, a party recently launched by Gachagua with a slogan of "Skiza Wakenya" (Listen to Kenyans). The party aims to challenge the current administration by positioning itself as a platform for unheard voices.

What This Means for Narok Residents

As the new MCA, Masikonde will be tasked with representing the interests of Narok Town's residents in the County Assembly. His core duties will involve legislation, oversight of the county executive, and ensuring ward-level development projects reflect the community's priorities. For the average resident, his performance will be measured by his ability to tackle pressing local issues, which include:

• Urban Management: Addressing challenges like solid waste management, inadequate drainage systems, and frequent flooding.
• Security: Tackling the rising incidents of insecurity that have become a major concern for residents and local leaders.
• Infrastructure: Advocating for the improvement of local roads and other essential services in the rapidly urbanizing town.

With the political heat of the by-election now settling, the residents of Narok Town will be watching closely to see if their new representative can translate his electoral promises into tangible improvements in their daily lives.