By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, 3 June 2026 - Kenya's opposition has begun the delicate task of settling on a single candidate for the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election after a broad coalition of parties agreed to field a united ticket in a contest that is rapidly shaping up into a major test of political influence in the Mt Kenya region.
The decision was reached during a meeting convened by Wiper Party leader and former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and attended by principals and representatives of parties aligned to the United Alternative Government, including the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), Jubilee Party, Wiper Democratic Movement, Democratic Party (DP), People's Liberation Party (PLP), Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-Kenya), Party of National Unity (PNU), United Progressive Independent Alliance (UPIA) and the Bus Party.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the coalition announced that it would identify a single candidate through an independent scientific survey and credible opinion polling process in an effort to consolidate opposition votes ahead of the July 16 by-election.
"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 coalition said.
The move now places pressure on opposition leaders to agree on one flag-bearer, especially after two coalition members — former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's DCP and former President Uhuru Kenyatta's Jubilee Party — already unveiled their preferred candidates.
DCP has handed its ticket to Gachagua's former aide, Sammy Kamau Ngotho, while Jubilee has nominated engineer Wilson Kigwa to fly the party's flag in the by-election.
The emergence of the two candidates now sets the stage for negotiations within the opposition alliance as leaders seek to avoid splitting votes in a race they view as politically strategic.
The coalition described the Ol Kalou contest as "a direct test of our constitutional democracy and the sovereign will of the people" and urged all institutions involved in the electoral process to uphold transparency and fairness.
"We specifically warn against voter bribery, the misuse of public resources, intimidation of voters and the deployment of State machinery to influence the outcome," the statement said.
"The people of Ol Kalou must be allowed to exercise their democratic right without fear, coercion or interference."
The by-election was triggered by the death of three-term Ol Kalou MP David Njuguna Kiaraho, whose seat has become the focus of an intense political contest attracting interest from major players across the political divide.
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Political observers view the race as more than a constituency contest, arguing that it has evolved into a symbolic battleground in the growing rivalry between President William Ruto and Gachagua.
For Gachagua, victory would strengthen his efforts to consolidate support in the Mt Kenya region following his fallout with the Kenya Kwanza administration and reinforce his claim to being the region's leading political figure.
For the broader opposition coalition, securing the seat would provide evidence that unity can translate into electoral success against the ruling establishment.
Jubilee Secretary General Moitalel Ole Kenta recently announced that the party had settled on Kigwa following internal consultations and nominations.
"Through our party constitution, the guidance of the National Elections Board and other relevant party organs, and in consultation with the aspirants who qualified, the party has settled on Eng. Wilson Kigwa who will now fly the party flag in the forthcoming by-election," Ole Kenta said.
He added that the party was fully prepared for the campaign period.
"As a party, we wish to affirm that it is now all systems go for Jubilee in Ol Kalou. Jubilee Party remains stronger, more focused and more prepared than ever before," he said.
With DCP and Jubilee already in the field and other coalition partners backing a consensus approach, attention now shifts to whether opposition leaders can successfully rally behind one candidate and transform the Ol Kalou by-election into a demonstration of their growing political unity ahead of the 2027 General Election.