Ol Kalou Constituency By-Election: Everything You Need to Know for July 16
IEBC Chairman Erastus Edung Ethekon
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has officially announced that a by-election for the Ol Kalou Constituency Member of the National Assembly seat in Nyandarua County will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2026.
This electoral process comes following the death of the incumbent, David Kiaraho, a dedicated legislator who passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2026.
The electoral body confirmed that preparations are underway to ensure a smooth, credible, and transparent exercise, urging all eligible voters in the region to participate in electing their next representative to the National Assembly.
The contest is already shaping up to be a high-stakes battle, with major political outfits outlining their strategies for the upcoming mini-polls. Central to the discourse is the Jubilee Party’s claim to the seat, asserting that the vacant position should be reserved for them as the party that previously held it.
“In the spirit of building a credible, united, and formidable alternative government and in response to the growing call by Kenyans for opposition unity, Jubilee Party respectfully urges our coalition partners to support the fielding of a single opposition candidate under the Jubilee Party banner in the upcoming by-election,” the Jubilee statement read in part.
Why is the Ol Kalou constituency by-election taking place?
The vacancy in Ol Kalou arose following the untimely death of the three-term Member of Parliament, David Kiaraho. His passing has necessitated a constitutional requirement for the IEBC to organize a by-election to fill the seat within the stipulated legal timeframe.
The late MP, an architect by profession, had served the constituency since 2013 and was a prominent figure within the Jubilee Party, making the seat a significant point of contention for his political allies who wish to maintain their footprint in the region.
How are political parties positioning for the Ol Kalou constituency seat?
Political dynamics in Nyandarua are heating up, with varying strategies emerging. The Jubilee Party has been vocal in demanding that their coalition partners within the broader United Opposition reciprocate past support by allowing them to field a sole candidate under the Jubilee banner. They argue that this unity is essential to maintaining a formidable front.
Conversely, other political entities are taking a different approach. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has pushed back against the idea of a single-party consensus, advocating for what he termed a “friendly fire” approach. According to Gachagua, constituent parties within the united opposition should feel free to compete against one another, dismissing concerns about outside threats.
Meanwhile, the Democratic for the Citizens Party (DCP) has already signaled its intent to join the race, revealing that it has several aspirants competing for its ticket, setting the stage for a crowded and competitive ballot.
