Nyandarua Senator John Methu confirmed the development, detailing how the movement gained momentum after former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria allegedly dismissed the DCP candidate with the derogatory label.
“2,823 souls gave 10 shillings each to buy a suit for the swearing-in of the incoming Olkalau MP Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru, Ngotho. Moses Kuria called him a chokoraa and the people have decided to make lemonade out of the lemon,” Methu said.
“The 10 shillings movement really boosts our morale ahead of the 16th July moment of truth. It’s not the money, it’s the love.”
Videos circulating online show long queues of people participating in the fundraiser, with the senator noting that the M-Pesa system had been overwhelmed by the volume of contributions.
The Olkalau parliamentary seat has attracted nine contenders, including candidates from the DCP, UDA and Jubilee parties, setting the stage for a fierce contest.
DCP candidate Kamau has promised sweeping reforms, including direct disbursement of bursary funds to schools.
UDA’s Samuel Muchina Nyagah has pledged diligent leadership and development for the constituency, while Jubilee Party is seeking to retain the seat previously held by former MP David Kiaraho, who was elected on a Jubilee ticket in the 2022 General Election.
People’s Renaissance Movement candidate Timothy Kamau, who arrived at the IEBC offices riding on a donkey during the clearance exercise, has positioned himself as the face of a new political wave in the constituency.
Other candidates in the race include Edwin Muchiri (PNU), Stephen Wanyoike (National Liberal Party), Rachael Njoroge, Edward Mwaniki (Kenya Moja Movement), and Abdifatah Hussein (Federal Party of Kenya).
With the official campaign period underway, a fierce political battle is expected between UDA and DCP as both parties seek to prove their dominance in the Mt Kenya region.
