Kalonzo and Gachagua Unite Behind Single Candidate in High-Stakes Ol Kalou By-Election Showdown
The opposition coalition led by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has unveiled a major strategy ahead of the upcoming Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, announcing plans to field a single candidate in a move designed to maximize its chances against President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
In a joint statement shared by Kalonzo on Wednesday, June 3, leaders of the United Alternative Government coalition confirmed they had reached a consensus to back one aspirant rather than allow multiple coalition-affiliated candidates to split the opposition vote.
The by-election, scheduled for July 16, is already shaping up to be one of the most closely watched political contests in the country, with both government and opposition camps viewing it as an important test of public sentiment.
“Following extensive consultations among coalition partners, we have reached a principled agreement to support a single candidate under the United Alternative Government banner,” the coalition said in part.
The coalition, which brings together several opposition parties including Wiper, Jubilee, DCP, PNU, PLP and DP, stated that the eventual flagbearer would be chosen through an independent scientific survey and opinion polling process.
According to coalition leaders, the approach is intended to identify the aspirant with the strongest chances of defeating rivals and securing victory for the opposition alliance.
“The candidate will be identified through an independent scientific survey and credible opinion polling to determine the aspirant best placed to secure victory and advance the interests of the people of Ol Kalou,” the statement added.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who has recently emerged as one of the government’s most vocal critics, is among the key architects of the strategy, which coalition leaders say demonstrates their commitment to unity and collective political action.
The opposition further described the forthcoming contest as more than just a parliamentary race, portraying it as a crucial test of Kenya’s democratic institutions.
“The forthcoming Ol Kalou Parliamentary By-election shall be, in our considered view, a direct test of our constitutional democracy and the sovereign will of the people,” the coalition stated.
The announcement comes a week after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) cleared nine candidates to contest the seat.
Among those approved are Samuel Muchina Nyaga of UDA, Wilson Kigwa of Jubilee Party, Sammy Kamau Ngotho of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), Edwin Kariiri Muchiri of PNU, Stephen Wanyoike of NLP, Rachael Wangui Njoroge of PDP, Edward Mathenge Mwaniki of Kenya Moja Movement and Abdulahi Abdifatah Hussein of FPK.
Notably, several of the candidates initially cleared belong to parties affiliated with the opposition coalition, raising concerns that a divided opposition vote could hand an advantage to UDA.
By settling on a single candidate, Kalonzo, Gachagua and their allies hope to consolidate support across the constituency and transform the by-election into a direct contest between the opposition alliance and the ruling party.
Political observers are expected to closely monitor the outcome, with many viewing the race as an early indicator of the opposition’s ability to work together ahead of future national contests.
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