President William Ruto (left) and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. (Inset) the late Ol Kalou MP David Njuguna Kiaraho.
The death of Ol Kalou MP David Njuguna Kiaraho could trigger one of the most consequential political contests in Mt Kenya in recent years, setting the stage for a by-election that may finally settle the question of who politically controls the region between President William Ruto and his former deputy Rigathi Gachagua.
Kiaraho, a third-term lawmaker, passed away on Sunday at The Nairobi Hospital, where family members said he had been receiving treatment.
President William Ruto speaks during the opening of the 19th Ambassadors Conference at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi on March 28, 2026.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula described Mr Kiaraho as a diligent and committed servant and announced a funeral committee led by Kinangop MP Kwenya Thuku.
President Ruto mourned the legislator as a loyal ally and a development-focused leader.
“His life stands as an inspiration to leaders of this generation to rise above political rivalry and remain focused on service and the core issues that matter to the people. May his “Kazi Kwanza, Siasa Baadaye” legacy endure,” President Ruto said.
Kiaraho had firmly aligned himself with the president’s camp, backing key political positions including the impeachment of Mr Gachagua in October 2024 and actively campaigning for President Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027.
The impeachment not only removed Mr Gachagua from office but also split Mt Kenya’s political leadership down the middle. Since then, both sides have been engaged in an intense struggle to consolidate grassroots support.
Democracy for the Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua addressing journalists during his 'State of the Nation' briefing at the party offices in Lavington, Nairobi, on February 10, 2026.
It is within this context that Kiaraho’s death takes on added political significance. The vacancy could now become the frontline in the supremacy battle between the president and his former deputy. Jubilee Party, on which the MP was elected, may also seek to retain the seat and reassert its political presence.
The Ol Kalou seat is expected to attract fierce competition from both camps, with the outcome likely to be interpreted as a referendum on the region’s shifting loyalties ahead of 2027.
Political analyst Samuel Wang’ombe said the by-election will not be a routine one.
“It is an unavoidable debate. We are mourning, yes, but democratic processes will not remain static. The supremacy battle among various formations will erupt in the constituency, Nyandarua, as a county and Mt Kenya as a bloc, and have an impact on the national political discourse,” Mr Wang'ombe said.
Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho
An architect by profession, Kiaraho was widely regarded as a development-focused leader who transitioned seamlessly into politics. He first won the Ol Kalou seat in 2013 on a Jubilee Party ticket. He was known for lobbying for development projects in his constituency. In the 2022 General Election, Kiaraho defied the UDA wave in the Mt Kenya region, retaining his seat on a Jubilee Party ticket as many of his peers lost.
On January 20, 2026, he attended a State House meeting to lobby for President Ruto's infrastructural projects in Nyandarua County. He said that he stood for the service delivery agenda first before thinking of the 2027 General Election.
The late MP was the kind of leader who could sharply criticise a fellow politician in public, only to be seen consulting or even defending the same individual. He blended confrontation with pragmatism, making him both unpredictable and influential.
Kiaraho never shied away from controversy, especially when he believed public interest was at stake. Yet, paradoxically, he also played the role of a peacemaker, often stepping in to mediate political disputes.
For many younger constituents who came of age after his election in 2013, Kiaraho was better known by his nickname “Dad wa Power”. The moniker was rooted in his well-known generosity. At public gatherings, the MP was famed for dishing out money to supporters, which endeared him to constituents. Even at events organised by senior leaders such as governors, Cabinet secretaries or the president, Kiaraho would often ask residents to remain behind after the official programme for “a cup of tea”, euphemism for handouts.
“We were always assured of something whenever the MP attended a public event. People would even borrow money or take goods on credit, knowing they would repay after their meeting. He would dish out Sh200 regardless of the crowd,” said Jacob Gachoki, a boda boda rider in Ol Kalou.
Despite never expressing interest in the Nyandarua governorship, Kiaraho frequently clashed with successive county bosses—Daniel Waithaka, Francis Kimemia and incumbent Kiarie Badilisha.
According to UDA-nominated MCA Steve Mureithi, the MP’s disagreements with governors were often in defence of public interest.
“During Governor Waithaka’s tenure, he joined traders in protesting increased taxes. He did the same under Governor Kimemia,” said Mr Mureithi.
Last year, Kiaraho also clashed with Dr Badilisha over plans to relocate Nyandarua University from Ol Joro Orok Agricultural College to Salient Secondary School in Captain market.
In Nyandarua, leaders and residents mourned the MP. Nyandarua Woman Representative Faith Gitau described him as a focused and collaborative leader.
“He believed in teamwork and worked with other leaders to lobby for development across the county. He mentored many of us and avoided divisive politics,” she said.
Dr Badilisha, who hails from the same Munyeki village as the late MP, said Kiaraho was both a friend and a unifying figure.
“He was passionate about his people and never hesitated to speak his mind or stand by his beliefs,” he said.
Residents recalled his willingness to assist.
“He was generous and always reachable. When I lacked seeds last year, I called him, and he sent me money. He never ignored anyone in need,” said George Rugene, a trader in Ol Kalou.
John Kariuki, the Ol Kalou Constituency Development Fund secretary, said Kiaraho was particularly committed to education.
“He ensured bursaries reached as many students as possible and paid special attention to the most vulnerable. Transparency in allocation was very important to him,” he said.
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