Ol Kalou by-election has blown the opposition’s 'unity' wide open

Although Nyahururu lies in neighbouring Laikipia County, it remains politically significant to Nyandarua residents, many of whom regard it as the county's historical commercial hub. Before the creation of devolved governments, Nyandarua leaders had unsuccessfully pushed for the town to become the county headquarters before Ol Kalou was eventually designated as the county seat.

Read: Battle of the running mates in Ruto, Gachagua opposition camps

The Linda Mwananchi tour comes just a day before the close of the 50-day official campaign period set by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for the Ol Kalou by-election.

The constituency goes to the polls on July 16 to elect a successor to former Jubilee MP Njuguna Kiaraho, who died on March 29.

The planned tour has also thrown into sharp focus the simmering rivalry within the opposition, whose leaders have repeatedly pledged to unite behind a single presidential candidate for the 2027 General Election but have failed to rally behind a single candidate in the Ol Kalou contest.

Instead, the by-election has attracted nine candidates, eight of whom are aligned with parties opposed to President William Ruto's administration.

The only candidate backed by the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is Muchina Nyagah.

The opposition field includes DCP candidate Kamau Ngotho (Democracy for the Citizens Party), Wilson Kigwa (Jubilee), Edwin Muchiri (Party of National Unity), Rachel Wangui (People's Democratic Party), Mathenge Mwaniki (Kenya Moja Movement), Abdifatah Hussein (Federal Party of Kenya), Timothy Kamau (People's Renaissance Party) and Stephen Wanyoike (National Liberal Party).

Read: How Gachagua-Wanjigi Wamunyoro meeting could tilt 2027 opposition matrix

The fragmented field stands in contrast to ongoing efforts by opposition leaders including Rigathi Gachagua (DCP), Fred Matiang'i (Jubilee), Martha Karua (People's Liberation Party), Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper), Eugene Wamalwa (DAP-K), George Natembeya and Justin Muturi (Democratic Party) to forge a united front ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

While Mr Gachagua has openly campaigned for DCP candidate Ngotho, Jubilee has fielded Wilson Kigwa, turning what many political observers describe as a referendum on the political direction of the Mt Kenya region.

The picture is further complicated by Dr Matiang'i's recent cooperation agreement with the Party of National Unity (PNU), led by former Meru Governor Peter Munya. Despite the alliance, PNU has fielded its own candidate, Edwin Muchiri, further splitting the opposition vote.

While Mr Gachagua has opted to aggressively campaign for his party's candidate, several other opposition principals have largely stayed away from campaigning for candidates affiliated with their own parties.

The contradictions have also played out on the campaign trail.

For instance, Jubilee-nominated MP Sabina Chege has been campaigning for UDA candidate Muchina Nyagah instead of her own party's candidate, Wilson Kigwa.

Governor Kang'ata did not respond to Nation's calls and text messages seeking clarification on which candidate the Linda Mwananchi team would endorse during its Ol Kalou tour.

Read: Linda Mwananchi Kisii attack: Last moments of Vincent Osiemo a.k.a Mapinduzi

The uncertainty comes as Mr Gachagua has also announced that he will be in the constituency on the same day to campaign for Mr Kamau. He is expected to hold a three-hour live media interview from Nyandarua Senator John Methu's home in Mugumo village before joining campaign activities.

Political analyst Malila Munywoki argues that the developments reflect an intensifying struggle for influence within the Mt Kenya region rather than a coordinated opposition strategy.

"They cannot claim to be united in the search for a joint presidential candidate while fielding eight candidates in one by-election and campaigning separately.What we are witnessing is not structured unity but competing political interests disguised as cooperation,” he said.

Mr Munywoki said the opposition appeared to be repeating mistakes made during the November 2025 Mbeere North by-election, where multiple opposition candidates split the anti-government vote, allowing the UDA candidate to win despite the combined opposition vote surpassing that of the ruling party.

“In Ol Kalou, the real contest is between DCP and UDA,” he said.

“If DCP wins, Rigathi Gachagua will strengthen his claim as the dominant political figure in Mt Kenya. If UDA wins, President Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki will argue that the region remains firmly behind the government. The participation of several other opposition parties only dilutes that contest and suggests there are leaders seeking to limit the influence of both Gachagua and Kindiki.”

He added that competition for the Mt Kenya political kingpin position remains unresolved, with former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Mr Gachagua and Prof Kindiki all seen as key centres of influence.

Read: Edwin Sifuna’s turning point

Mr Gachagua, however, dismissed concerns over the crowded field, saying the by-election would provide a clear picture of the region's political mood ahead of 2027.

"It is good that we settle, once and for all, where the people stand and under which political party. Competition is part of democracy, and ultimately the voter will be king," he said.

"Let the people speak through the ballot. The IEBC and security agencies must ensure the by-election is conducted within the law so that the final outcome truly reflects the will of the people."

[email protected]

Follow our WhatsApp channel for breaking news updates and more stories like this.