The United Alternative Government (UAG) has announced plans to field a single candidate in the forthcoming Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, a move aimed at consolidating opposition support and enhancing its chances of capturing the strategically important seat.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the coalition said the decision was reached after extensive consultations among its constituent parties and leaders, underscoring a commitment to unity and collective political action ahead of the July 16 poll.
The alliance described the by-election as more than just a contest for parliamentary representation, terming it a crucial test of constitutional democracy and the sovereign will of the people of Ol Kalou.
To avoid internal divisions and maximize its electoral prospects, the coalition said it had agreed in principle to rally behind one candidate who will be selected through an independent scientific survey and credible opinion polling.
According to the coalition, the process is designed to identify the most competitive aspirant capable of carrying the alliance’s banner and securing victory in the by-election.
“This approach reflects our commitment to unity, democracy, and evidence-based decision-making, while demonstrating that the national interest must always take precedence over individual political ambitions,” the statement said.
Political analysts view the move as a strategic attempt by opposition forces to avoid splitting votes in a constituency that is expected to attract intense political attention from both government and opposition camps.
Call for Credible Poll
The coalition also urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), security agencies, and all political stakeholders to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
It emphasized the need for a peaceful, free, fair, and transparent election, warning against practices that could undermine public confidence in the outcome.
Among the concerns raised were allegations of voter bribery, misuse of public resources, voter intimidation, and the deployment of state machinery to influence the election.
“The people of Ol Kalou must be allowed to exercise their democratic right without fear, coercion, or interference,” the coalition stated.
The alliance insisted that voters should be free to make independent choices without pressure, inducements, or manipulation from any political actors.
Battle Lines Already Drawn
The announcement comes as political parties intensify preparations for what is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched by-elections in the Mt Kenya region.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Democratic Change Party (DCP) has already unveiled former Member of County Assembly Sammy Ngotho as its preferred candidate.
Meanwhile, the Jubilee Party has nominated Wilson Kigwa following the completion of its internal nomination exercise, setting the stage for a potentially fierce contest between rival political formations.
The by-election was necessitated by the death of Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho, who was serving his third consecutive term in Parliament on a Jubilee Party ticket.
Kiaraho passed away on March 29, 2026, while undergoing treatment at Nairobi Hospital. He was later laid to rest in Tigoni, Limuru, Kiambu County.
Following his death, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula formally declared the seat vacant through a Gazette Notice, paving the way for the electoral process.
A Litmus Test for Mt Kenya Politics
With the IEBC having scheduled the by-election for July 16, political observers say the contest is likely to serve as a major indicator of shifting political loyalties in the Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The race is expected to test the strength of emerging opposition alliances, gauge the influence of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in his political backyard, and provide insight into the region’s evolving political dynamics.
As campaigns gather momentum, all eyes will be on Ol Kalou, where a local parliamentary contest is increasingly taking on national political significance.
About the Author
