By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, April 22, 2026 - The race to succeed the late Ol Kalou MP David Njuguna Kiaraho has ignited a fierce political contest, with major parties scrambling to secure the strategically significant seat in an early show of strength ahead of the by-election.
Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki on Wednesday hosted 10 aspirants seeking the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket at his official Karen residence in Nairobi, signalling the ruling party’s intent to mount a formidable challenge.
Kindiki, who also serves as UDA Deputy Party Leader, urged the aspirants to pursue consensus where possible, while assuring them of credible nominations.
“Those interested will compete in free, fair and verifiable party primaries,” he said, adding that UDA has distinguished itself through transparent internal democratic processes.
The meeting was attended by UDA Chairperson Cecily Mbarire, Secretary General Hassan Omar and National Elections Board Chairman Anthony Mwaura.
Even as the ruling party consolidates its position, the opposition is equally digging in, with Jubilee Party staking an early claim to the seat it previously held.
Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Jeremiah Kioni insisted that Ol Kalou remains within the party’s traditional stronghold and should not be subjected to bargaining within opposition ranks.
“We lost our Member of Parliament for Ol Kalou David Njuguna Kiaraho,” Kioni said.
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“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 said the party is preparing to field a candidate to sustain the late MP’s development agenda, framing the contest as one of continuity.
“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.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, now leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), has also thrown his weight into the race, expressing confidence that his party will field a candidate and clinch the seat.
Kiaraho, who served three terms under the Jubilee Party, leaves behind a vacancy that has quickly evolved into a high-stakes political battleground, drawing interest from across the divide and setting the stage for a bruising contest.