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Show of might as IEBC clears Ol Kalou by-election candidates
Ol Kalou by-election candidates Sammy Kamau Ngotho (left) of the Democracy for Citizens Party and Samuel Muchina Nyaga of the United Democratic Alliance.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has cleared nine candidates in the upcoming Ol Kalou Constituency by-election set for 16 July 2026.
The candidates are Abdulahi Abdifatah Hussein (Federal Party of Kenya), Kariuku Timothy Kamau (People’s Renaissance Party), Samuel Muchina Nyaga (United Democratic Alliance), Edward Mathenge (Kenya Moja Movement), Rachael Wangui Njoroge (People’s Democratic Party) and Wilson Kigwa (Jubilee Party), Stephen Wanyoike (National Liberal Party), Kamau Ngotho (Democracy for the Citizens Party), and Edwin Kariiri Muchiri (Party of National Unity).
In total, the ruling UDA Alliance will face eight candidates from the opposition.
The IEBC spent two days clearing these candidates following the death of former MP David Kiaraho. The process was marked by drama, with officials forced to turn away ill-prepared newcomers who arrived at the PCEA Ol Kalou church hall lacking critical documents, such as copies of national identity cards, or whose names were missing from their party registers.
The commission had prepared to clear 10 candidates, but Paul Waiganjo, who lost in the primaries, failed to appear on Monday. The returning officer, Mr Njiraini, noted that while Mr Waiganjo had confirmed his intention to contest on a People's Liberation Party ticket at the Nairobi offices, he failed to show up in Ol Kalou.
Timothy Kamau of the People’s Renaissance Party was the first to be cleared on Monday morning. He arrived on a donkey after a one-hour procession through the town. His clearance was delayed for nearly an hour when it was discovered his name was missing from the party register. His handlers eventually resolved the administrative error, and he was awarded his certificate. He stated he is counting on youth support and intends to introduce legislation compelling all state officers to utilise public facilities such as hospitals and schools.
Abdulahi Abdifatah Hussein of the Federal Party of Kenya was cleared second. Although he arrived at 9:52 am, he was initially turned away for failing to produce necessary documentation. He left the compound without speaking to the media, accompanied only by his proposer, Geoffrey Riba Muthoni, and his seconder, Ann Wanjiku Mbugua, marking a quiet exit compared to other candidates who arrived with large crowds and motorcades.
Samuel Muchina Nyaga, the United Democratic Alliance candidate, promised to conduct peaceful campaigns and ensure the completion of projects initiated by the late MP David Kiaraho. He highlighted his 13 years of experience working as an aide to the late Mr Kiaraho. Ms Gitau, also supporting the party, urged residents to vote for development rather than rhetoric, arguing that progress is best realised by remaining in government.
Jubilee candidate Wilson Kigwa was escorted to the centre by deputy party leader Jeremiah Kioni and Nyandarua County Party Chairman Sambigi Mukuria, who is the former Githioro Ward MCA. Like his rivals, he pledged to conduct peaceful campaigns ahead of the 16 July election.
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