Ol Kalou By-Election Sparks Early Political Clash

By James Murimi - Reporter

Kenya, April 15, 2026 - The death of Ol Kalou Member of Parliament David Njuguna Kiaraho has triggered an early and heated political scramble, with rival formations already trading sharp words over the looming by-election and the future political direction of the constituency.

Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Jeremiah Kioni has signalled the party’s intention to reclaim the seat, insisting that Ol Kalou remains firmly within its traditional political orbit and should not be ceded in opposition negotiations.

“We lost our Member of Parliament for Ol Kalou David Njuguna Kiaraho,” Kioni said.

“As it has been the norm of the United Opposition, we also expect member political parties to cede ground for the Jubilee Party. That seat was occupied by a member of the Jubilee Party,” he added.

Kioni maintained that Jubilee is preparing to field a candidate who will carry forward the late MP’s development agenda, arguing that continuity should guide the succession process.

“We are ready to field a candidate to ensure we retain the seat on behalf of our members in the Opposition. We will be engaging the people of Ol Kalou so as to get their support,” he said.

“We need a person who will ensure that the development agenda set by the late Kiaraho is continued.”

The political temperature has further escalated following remarks by Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki, who has already framed the upcoming contest in combative terms, signalling a direct political showdown.

“He came chest-thumping in Mbeere North, and I floored him. Just wait, there is a by-election coming in Ol Kalou, and we will meet there. I will floor him badly. That is where he will learn to respect me,” Prof Kindiki said.

The remarks have drawn sharp criticism from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who accused Kindiki of politicizing a period of mourning and violating cultural norms within the Mt Kenya community.

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Addressing mourners during the funeral service of the late Kiaraho, Gachagua took issue with the timing and tone of the Deputy President’s comments.

“Prof Kindiki, you have made a very big mistake while addressing people in Tharaka Nithi where you talked about the by-election for Ol Kalou parliamentary seat before the burial of MP Kiaraho,” Gachagua said.

“That is against the culture and custom of our community in Mt Kenya. We don't discuss inheriting somebody until he is buried. On that part, Professor, you have slipped, but you will rectify.”

Gachagua’s remarks, delivered in a visibly charged atmosphere, underscored widening political fault lines between allied camps within the broader opposition and government-aligned formations.

The late Kiaraho, who was serving his third term as Ol Kalou MP under the Jubilee Party, leaves behind a politically significant vacancy that is expected to attract heavyweights from across the political divide.

While opposition realignments continue to evolve under the United Opposition umbrella, insiders suggest that the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) led by Gachagua may depart from its recent strategy of selective participation and field a candidate in Ol Kalou.

If confirmed, the move would set the stage for a high-stakes contest between President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and a potentially divided opposition, with Ol Kalou emerging as an early test of strength ahead of future national battles.