Peter Mbae, the economic adviser for Democracy for Citizens (DCP), emphasized that the upcoming Ol Kalou by-election represents a pivotal opportunity for Mt. Kenya to assert its political influence over President William Ruto. In a statement shared on his social media on April 13, 2026, Mbae asserted that this mini-poll would serve as a critical moment for Gachagua’s constituency to voice their political dissatisfaction with the President.
“The most effective way for Mt. Kenya to hold this government accountable is through the results of the Ol Kalou by-election. Mutual respect will emerge from this,” he stated.
Following the passing of the late MP David Njuguna Kiaraho, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula officially declared the seat vacant.
Political tensions surrounding the upcoming Ol Kalou by-election are already evident, with both the united opposition and the government exchanging challenges. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has vowed to present a formidable challenge to his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua. In response, Gachagua criticized Kindiki during the requiem Mass for the late MP, highlighting the inappropriateness of discussing succession before the burial.
The Ol Kalou by-election is shaping up to be a rematch between the United Opposition and Kenya Kwanza, particularly following their setbacks in the Mbeere North and Malava constituencies in 2025 and 2026.
Eugene Wamalwa, the leader of the Democratic Action Party (DAP-K), announced that the Ol Kalou mini-poll would see the opposition unite as a cohesive force. He noted that, similar to their strategies in Mbeere North and Malava, where dominant parties fielded candidates with support from others, they will adopt the same collaborative approach in Ol Kalou.
Wamalwa recalled that in Mbeere North, the DCP party, led by Gachagua, stepped aside for Justin Muturi’s DP candidate, Newton Karish, while in Malava, Gachagua also withdrew his candidate to support Wamalwa’s choice. “For the Ol Kalou by-election, we are committed to working together. In our previous three by-elections, DCP stood down for DAP-K in Malava,” he stated.
In a bold declaration, Suba South MP Caroli Omondi, who also serves as the Azimio la Umoja secretary-general, expressed unwavering confidence in the United Opposition’s chances of victory. He dismissed the UDA’s narrow win in 2025, citing significant electoral irregularities that he claims were orchestrated by the state to favor their candidates. Omondi insisted that such issues would not recur in Ol Kalou.
“There were problems at three polling stations in Mbeere North and serious flaws in Malava, but we are prepared for a fair contest in Ol Kalou. We eagerly await the challenge,” Omondi affirmed.
