Timothy Kariuki Kamau, popularly known as Timo, is a 26-year-old Gen Z activist and aspiring politician eyeing the Ol Kalou Constituency parliamentary seat in the July 16 by-election after the death of the former MP, David Kiaraho.
The 26-year-old aspiring MP gained popularity for campaigning on a donkey and arriving at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) nomination candidate clearance to submit his nomination papers.
Among the candidates cleared by IEBC for the Ol Kalou nomination were Edward Mathenge under the Kenya Kwanza Movement, Paul Waiganjo of the People’s Federation Party, Abdi Fatah Hussein of the Federal Party of Kenya, United Democratic Alliance candidate Samuel Muchina, and Timothy Kamau of the People’s Renaissance Movement (PM Party).
At the IEBC offices, Timothy Kariuki explained that he chose to use the donkey because of the high fuel prices in the country.
“I am a farmer in Ol Kalou, and I use my donkey in farming, and given the high fuel prices, I decided to use the donkey as I could not afford fuel money,” Timothy Kariuki stated.
Throughout the campaign period, the politician used the donkey as the mode of transport, with his supporters arguing that it was a symbol of hard work and endurance.
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Timothy Kariuki’s Political Career
Before stepping into elective politics, Kariuki was largely unknown outside his local community in Ol Kalou, where, as a college student and hawker, he built his reputation through grassroots engagement.
Further, the candidate is known for his active involvement as a Gen Z activist and for youth participation in civic affairs following the 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.
His campaign received a major boost when Saboti MP Caleb Amisi publicly endorsed him and joined him on the campaign trail.
Amisi praised Kariuki as a representation of millions of young Kenyans who aspire to leadership but lack financial resources and powerful political connections.
Speaking after receiving his nomination certificate, he challenged Kenya’s political culture, arguing that elected leaders should be held accountable for promises made during election campaigns.
He criticized the tendency by politicians to issue ambitious manifestos during campaigns only to abandon them once elected.
According to Kariuki, political manifestos should become enforceable public commitments, and leaders who fail to implement their promises should face legal consequences.
Also Read: All You Need to Know About Ol Kalou: Location, Registered Voters, Candidates, UDA and DCP Strengths
Achievements
Kariuki made a political achievement by becoming the first official candidate nominated and fielded by the People’s Renaissance Movement since the party’s registration in 2026.
The PM Party leadership described Kariuki as a representative of a new generation of leaders grounded in integrity, development, accountability, and service.
Further, PM Party Secretary General Emmanuel Sarabai said his candidacy demonstrates the party’s belief that young people should not merely be viewed as future leaders but as individuals capable of driving meaningful change today.
On July 16, Timothy Kariuki rode his donkey to Kieni Primary School polling station to cast his vote.
Speaking after voting, the candidate affirmed that the voting process was conducted in accordance with the IEBC-set regulations.
“I have voted, and the process was good, and I am impressed by the turnout, and everything was followed to the letter,” Timothy Kariuki stated.
In addition, he urged all the Ol Kalou residents to maintain peace, assuring his supporters that he will win and deliver his manifestos to the citizens.
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