The official campaign period for the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election ends at midnight today ahead of Thursday’s vote, drawing the curtains on one of the costliest and most fiercely contested by-election campaigns in recent history.
Sunday was hectic for the candidates as they tried to cover as much ground before today’s deadline.
Starting last week Thursday, there were minimal government candidate campaigners as Cabinet secretaries and principal secretaries retreated following a public outcry over voter bribery.
The UDA campaigns were taken over by politicians from across the country under the coordination of the Nyandarua Woman Representative Faith Gitau. While the UDA candidate Muchina Nyaga was accompanied by chief campaigners to churches and later a football match at Kamptain market, other teams were on door-to-door campaigns.
UDA Ol Kalou by-election candidate Samuel Muchina (right) is joined by Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire and Nyandarua Woman Representative Faith Gitau in a dance during a campaign rally at Captain Trading Centre on July 12, 2026.
Photo credit: Bonface Mwangi | Nation Media Group
“We have had elections in Ol Kalou for many years; we have never been violent. Why is an outsider prophesying violence for us? We want peaceful campaigns. If they sense defeat, let them say so instead of causing fear and unfounded allegations. Ol Kalou people should ignore those preaching violence; let us maintain peace. We will all remain here after the elections,” said Mr Nyaga.
The Jubilee Party also became more aggressive in selling its candidate, Wilson Kigwa, with backing from national and county party officials led by Deputy Party Secretary Zack Kinuthia, Elections Director Kembi Gitura and the county party chairperson Sambigi Mukuria.
DCP went all out in support of its candidate, Kamau Ngotho. Teams led by members of the county assembly traversed the county on a door-to-door campaign, while the chief campaigners, led by Senator John Methu and Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia, joined the party leader in a church function in Mirangine before engaging in public barazas.
DCP Ol Kalou by-election candidate Sammy Kamau Ngotho acknowledges greetings from supporters at St Lwanga Catholic Church in Mirangine, Ol Kalou, Nyandarua County, on July 12, 2026. ..
Photo credit: Boniface Mwangi | Nation Media Group
The campaigns come to a close amid heightened fears of violence, with political observers warning of possible attempts to suppress voter turnout through intimidation, bribery and other undemocratic tactics.
Former Provincial Commissioner Joseph Kaguthi said repeated warnings about political goons and rogue police officers have become routine and no longer reassure the public.
“Every fresh declaration from those in authority now sounds hollow and uninspiring. The rhetoric appears more intended for the gallery than to reassure Kenyans,” he said.
The 50-day campaign has been dominated by an unprecedented show of financial muscle by the ruling UDA. Mr Nyaga, however, dismissed claims that the ruling party had overwhelmed its rivals with resources.
“We have done a fantastic job under a hail of opposition propaganda. But the Ol Kalou voter is sharp,” he said.
“The government has unleashed a rain of cash, trains, speedboats, blankets, mattresses, cereals and projects. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) failed completely to provide a level playing field in the Ol Kalou by-election,” he said.
“There is a limit to how rogue a government can become. A government that takes mattresses from hospitals, steals from health insurance funds and education capitation to create a voter bribery budget has lost its moral authority. The people should reject it at the ballot,” he said.
Jubilee’s Kigwa said the campaigns had been marred by irregularities but remained optimistic about his chances.
“The IEBC and security agencies did a poor job handling violence and electoral malpractices. Despite that, I had the opportunity to engage voters, and I believe my track record of service has earned their trust,” he said.
Nyandarua Senator John Methu (left), Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia, and other DCP leaders address worshippers at St Lwanga Catholic Church in Mirangine, Ol Kalou, Nyandarua County, on July 12, 2026.
Photo credit: Boniface Mwangi | Nation Media Group
Beyond allegations of voter bribery, the campaigns were also characterised by accusations of hate speech and inflammatory rhetoric. IEBC fined Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia Sh1.5 million for hate speech. Ms Muhia, who is backing the DCP candidate, accused the commission of selectively enforcing the electoral code of conduct.
People's Democratic Party candidate Rachel Wangui dismissed suggestions that the race had narrowed to a contest between UDA and DCP, while Kenya Moja Movement candidate Mathenge Mwaniki said that the campaign had drifted away from substantive issues affecting constituents.
“The leading candidates have spent more time attacking one another and making unrealistic promises than discussing solutions to the problems facing Ol Kalou residents,” he said.
Federal Party of Kenya candidate Abdifatah Hussein criticised what he described as exclusionary campaign practices after he was unable to participate in a televised debate conducted entirely in the local vernacular.
People's Renaissance Party candidate Timothy Kamau said voters had been denied a meaningful debate on the constituency's social, political and economic priorities.
“The outcome of this election should also force us to ask what truly constitutes a healthy democratic debate,” he said.
National Liberal Party candidate Stephen Wanyoike urged voters to reject leaders who seek office through corruption, violence and deception.
Party of National Unity candidate Edwin Muchiri, who campaigned without the backing of party leader Peter Munya, said he remained confident despite the lack of high-profile support.
Although official campaigns end at midnight, political actors are expected to continue seeking voter support through informal means. Attention now shifts to the IEBC and security agencies, which face the task of ensuring Thursday's vote is peaceful, credible and transparent.
