By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, May 07, 2026 - The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) has moved to contain simmering tensions ahead of the fiercely contested Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, signaling the high political stakes surrounding the race triggered by the death of longtime MP David Kiaraho.
In a notice issued by the party’s Internal Disputes and Resolution Committee (IDRC), DCP announced that party nominations for the Ol Kalou Constituency seat will be conducted on May 9, even as it opened a formal channel for aggrieved aspirants to challenge the outcome within 24 hours after the declaration of results.
“Notice is hereby given that party nominations for Ol Kalou Constituency shall be conducted on 9th May 2026,” the notice reads in part.
The move underscores mounting pressure within the former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua-linked outfit as aspirants jostle for the party ticket in a constituency emerging as a key political battleground ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Kiaraho, who served three consecutive terms under former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee Party, leaves behind a seat that has rapidly attracted intense interest from both the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition and the Opposition.
Political analysts view the by-election as more than a local contest, saying it is shaping into an early supremacy battle between President William Ruto’s allies and the fast-rising anti-Ruto political formations seeking to consolidate support in the Mt Kenya region.
In the notice signed by IDRC chairperson Mayiani Sankale, the party sought to assure aspirants of a credible nominations process amid fears of possible fallout after the exercise.
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“Any person dissatisfied with the outcome of the results of the Nomination process conducted by the National Elections Board (NEB) may lodge a formal complaint or appeal within twenty-four (24) hours of the declaration of the decision,” the statement says.
The committee further directed that “all complaints and appeals must be submitted in writing or by email, clearly stating the grounds and accompanied by relevant supporting evidence.”
DCP also sought to project confidence in its internal mechanisms as competition for the party ticket intensifies.
“The Committee remains committed to ensuring a fair, transparent, and credible dispute resolution process,” the notice adds.
The Ol Kalou race is expected to attract a crowded field, with Jubilee Party also keen to defend a seat long associated with the late Kiaraho, while opposition-allied parties continue negotiations on the possibility of fronting a joint candidate to avoid splitting votes.
The by-election is being closely watched as a political litmus test in Nyandarua County, with both sides seeking to use the contest to measure their influence in the vote-rich Mt Kenya region amid growing political realignments ahead of 2027.