Amisi Claims 26-Year-Old PM Party Candidate Has Surged Into Top Three as Ol Kalou Race Enters Final Stretch
The battle for the Ol Kalou parliamentary seat has taken a dramatic turn after Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi declared that the People’s Renaissance Movement (PM) Party candidate, Timothy Kamau Kariuki, had rapidly emerged as one of the frontrunners in the hotly contested by-election.
Speaking after wrapping up a three-day campaign tour in the constituency on Monday, July 13, 2026, Amisi said the 26-year-old aspirant—popularly known as Timo—had transformed from a little-known local figure into one of the leading contenders just days before voters head to the polls on July 16.
The MP described the campaign as a major breakthrough for youth participation in Kenyan politics, arguing that Kariuki’s rise had defied expectations despite limited financial resources and stiff competition from candidates backed by influential political leaders.
“I leave Ol Kalou, having popularised Timo from a boy hardly known beyond his local primary school to now among the top three contestants in the by-election,” Amisi wrote.
‘A Donkey, Not Millions’
Amisi painted Kariuki as an underdog challenging the political establishment, noting that the youthful candidate relied on a donkey as his primary means of transport while campaigning across the constituency.
According to the legislator, the symbolic campaign contrasted sharply with rivals who enjoy substantial financial backing, established party structures and the support of senior political figures.
He claimed the by-election had been characterised by intense political competition, alleging widespread voter bribery, heavy deployment of state resources and the involvement of prominent politicians supporting more established candidates.
“I am proud because I have helped an ambitious young man to participate in a high-voltage election, marred by chaos, voter bribery, massive use of state resources and hundreds of big wigs supporting older well-established candidates,” Amisi stated.
His allegations have not been independently verified, and electoral authorities have not publicly responded to the claims.
A Bigger Message Beyond Ol Kalou
Beyond the immediate contest, Amisi said Kariuki’s candidacy represented hope for young Kenyans seeking elective office without wealthy sponsors, political godfathers or influential family names.
He argued that the campaign had already delivered an important victory by proving that youthful candidates can compete on the national stage despite significant financial disadvantages.
“This is a win to millions of young Kenyans who believe Kenya has a place for them too, who compete without a family name, without a godfather and deficient of resources,” he said.
The Saboti MP went further, expressing confidence that Kariuki’s political future remained bright regardless of the outcome of Thursday’s vote.
“Even if, in the unlikely event, he does not make it on Thursday, definitely he stands as the next MP in the 2027 election,” Amisi added.
National Spotlight on Ol Kalou
The Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election has evolved into one of Kenya’s most closely watched political contests, attracting senior leaders from rival political formations eager to influence the outcome.
The race is widely being viewed as an early measure of political strength ahead of the 2027 General Election, with parties intensifying grassroots campaigns in the final days before polling.
Amisi’s latest remarks build on an intensive campaign blitz in which he traversed the constituency rallying support for Kariuki. During the tour, he repeatedly praised the youthful aspirant’s determination, saying his humble campaign style reminded him of his own political journey and demonstrated that leadership should not be reserved for those with financial muscle.
Whether Kariuki’s growing visibility will translate into votes remains to be seen, but Amisi insists the PM Party candidate has already reshaped the conversation around youth leadership in Kenyan politics.
Also Read: Sabina Chege Questions Rival Accounts of Political Violence Ahead of Ol Kalou By-Election