IEBC Declares July 16 Showdown for Ol Kalou Seat After MP’s Death Sparks Political Battle
NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya’s electoral agency has set the stage for a high-stakes political contest in Nyandarua County, announcing July 16, 2026, as the date for the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election following the death of long-serving MP David Njuguna Kiaraho.
In an official notice issued on Sunday, April 26, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) confirmed that voters in the constituency will return to the ballot in what is shaping up to be a fierce battle for control of the seat.
“By-election for Member of the National Assembly for Ol Kalou Constituency in Nyandarua County will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2026,” the commission stated.
The mini-poll was triggered after National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula formally declared the seat vacant through a special Gazette Notice dated April 20, citing constitutional provisions under Articles 101(4)(a) and 103(1)(a), alongside Section 16(3) of the Elections Act.
Ol Kalou Constituency has remained without representation since March 29, when Kiaraho died while undergoing treatment at The Nairobi Hospital. The late legislator, first elected in 2013, had secured three consecutive terms, cementing his political influence in the region.
Wetang’ula’s declaration effectively opened the door for IEBC to roll out preparations for the by-election — one now widely viewed as an early test of political strength between President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the emerging Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) linked to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Early signs point to an intense nomination battle within UDA itself. On April 22, at least 10 aspirants presented themselves before Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, seeking the party’s ticket. Party leaders urged consensus but pledged a credible nomination process.
“The Ol Kalou contest will be a key test of our commitment to free and fair nominations,” Kindiki told aspirants during the meeting.
On the opposing side, Gachagua has indicated that DCP is also witnessing strong interest, revealing that at least nine contenders are seeking to fly the party’s flag in the by-election.
The Ol Kalou race is unfolding alongside another crucial parliamentary contest in Emurua Dikirr Constituency, Narok County, where IEBC has scheduled a by-election for May 14, 2026.
In a separate notice, the commission confirmed that the Emurua Dikirr vote will coincide with ward-level by-elections in Porro Ward, Samburu County, and Endo Ward in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
“By-elections will be held in the following electoral areas: Member of the National Assembly for Emurua Dikirr Constituency, Member of County Assembly for Porro Ward and Endo Ward,” IEBC stated.
With political camps already mobilising and multiple aspirants lining up, the Ol Kalou by-election is expected to be more than a routine replacement vote — potentially serving as a referendum on shifting alliances within Kenya’s evolving political landscape.
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