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Ol Kalou by-election draws 22 contestants
President William Ruto (left) and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. (Inset) the late Ol Kalou MP David Njuguna Kiaraho.
A total of 22 aspirants from three political parties have declared interest in next month’s party primaries ahead of the July 16, 2026, Ol Kalou Constituency by-election, called following the death of area MP David Kiaraho last month.
The race has attracted candidates from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, and the Jubilee Party, which is seeking to reclaim the seat. UDA and DCP have fielded the highest number of aspirants, with 10 and nine candidates respectively, while Jubilee has three.
The contest is shaping up as a high-stakes political battle in Nyandarua County, with both the ruling party and the opposition expressing confidence in securing the seat.
Local leaders say the by-election has also taken on a personal dimension, particularly involving Nyandarua Woman Representative Faith Gitau, a key UDA figure who supported the impeachment of Mr Gachagua.
Also Read: From colonial outpost to Nyandarua County hub: Inside Ol Kalou’s rapid rise post-devolution
“In Nyandarua, we view this by-election as a contest between the former Deputy President and Ms Gitau,” said local politician David Kamunya. “A win for UDA would affirm her political stance.”
UDA officials have exuded confidence, citing government backing and grassroots mobilisation.
Ms Gitau, who is coordinating UDA campaigns, said the party would rally behind whoever secures the nomination.
“This is a friendly contest within the party. We are united, and whoever wins the ticket will receive full support from the rest,” she said.
On the other hand, DCP leaders have insisted that the party enjoys strong local support. Nyandarua Senator John Methu said the region had shifted its loyalty.
“Nyandarua has moved to DCP. We are ready for the contest,” he said.
Mr Gachagua has pledged a free and fair nomination process scheduled for May 9, urging aspirants to maintain unity after the exercise.
“Party officials will not interfere. We want the people of Ol Kalou to choose their leader freely,” he said.
The DCP aspirants include Wakili Kiragu Wathuta, Isaac Ndirangu, Kevin Ndungu Waweru, James Waithaka Kariuki, Stephen Kimani Muturi, Peter Mwangi Karanja, Paul Waiganjo, Kamau Ngotho and Gabriel Gatinu Wambui.
UDA candidates are Mary Nyokabi, the only woman in the race so far, George Wambugu, Samuel Muchina, Maina Kiambati, Ndung’u Wangenye, Peter Mugo, Kimani Mwangi, Joseph Chuchu, Joseph Ndirangu and Mwangi Kiama.
Jubilee has fielded Beatrice Kamau, Wilson Kigwa and Isaac Wanjiru.
The late Mr Kiaraho, though elected on a Jubilee ticket, was aligned with the government. During his requiem mass, his family expressed support for President William Ruto, citing his longstanding relationship with the deceased.
