The Ol Kalou constituency by-election in Laikipia County, scheduled for July 16, 2026, has emerged as one of the most closely watched contests in the Mount Kenya region.
Although it is meant to fill a parliamentary seat left vacant following the death of the area MP, the race has now taken on the character of a political showdown between Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and his predecessor Rigathi Gachagua, ahead of the 2027 general election.
However, both leaders have opted not to take a frontline role in the campaign. Instead, they are relying on their allies to spearhead political mobilization while they closely monitor developments from behind the scenes.
In the nine-candidate race, the main competition is seen as being between United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Muchina Nyaga and Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Kamau Ngotho, who is backed by Gachagua’s faction.
Other candidates include Wilson Kigwa (Jubilee), Rachel Wangui (People’s Democratic Party), Mathenge Mwaniki (Kenya Moja Movement), Abdifatah Hussein (Federal Party of Kenya), Timothy Kamau (People’s Renaissance Party), Stephen Wanyoike (National Liberal Party), and Edwin Muchiri (Party of National Unity).
The seat fell vacant in March 2026 following the death of MP David Kiaraho. In the 2022 election, Kiaraho won on a Jubilee ticket with 24,058 votes, while Kamau Ngotho, then running under UDA, came second with 19,380 votes.
Political analysts say the by-election has become a measure of influence between Kindiki and Gachagua in Mount Kenya politics.
Kindiki is expected to use a UDA victory to strengthen his position as President William Ruto’s political successor in the region, while Gachagua aims to demonstrate that he still holds significant influence among Mount Kenya voters despite his removal from office.
As a result, local development issues in Ol Kalou have been overshadowed by national political slogans such as “Wantam” and “Tutam,” which have been adopted by rival political camps.
Political analyst Mulila Munywoki said the campaigns have drifted away from real local issues.
“What is happening in Ol Kalou is political noise. The messaging is more about 2027 elections than the challenges facing residents,” he said.
According to reports from both camps, the two leaders are receiving regular briefings from their teams while giving strategic direction without appearing publicly on the campaign trail.
Kindiki’s influence is being felt through Nyandarua Women Representative Faith Gitau and former Public Service Minister Moses Kuria.
On the other side, Gachagua is relying on Nyandarua Senator John Methu and Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia.
Although Gachagua has not held many public rallies in the area, he has addressed some meetings remotely via phone and loudspeaker.
Kindiki has also maintained a low public profile, leaving his allies to lead the campaign efforts.
On Tuesday, Gachagua met leaders from Nyandarua at his Wamunyoro residence, where the Ol Kalou by-election was among the key agenda items.
DCP Council of Elders Chairman Maina Kamanda said Gachagua is expected to tour Ol Kalou shortly before July 13 to conclude his campaign activities ahead of the vote.
For his part, Kindiki has not announced when he will join the campaign, although Faith Gitau has hinted at possible development project launches in the area.
Among voters, the campaign has generated mixed reactions.
Some see it as an opportunity to shape Mount Kenya’s political direction, while others criticize it for being driven by money politics and unrealistic promises.
Stephen Mungai, a 28-year-old resident of Rurii Ward, said the campaigns are dominated by money and propaganda.
“Money is everywhere. There are many promises, but in the end people want results. Already, residents are divided along political lines,” he said.
Leave a comment