Mt Kenya power play as UDA, DCP gear up for Ol Kalou battle

The formal declaration of the vacancy of Ol Kalou's parliamentary seat is creating another opportunity for a major contest among leading political parties locally.

President William Ruto’s UDA party and former deputy Rigathi Gachagua’s DCP party have declared that they will field a candidate, as well as other parties, including Jubilee.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is set to announce the by-election date following last evening’s issuance of writs by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.

The seat fell vacant following the passing of former MP David Njuguna Kiaraho. Both UDA and DCP have announced interest from over 10 aspirants each seeking to fly their party’s flag.

Analysts argue that the by-election will provide a forum to finally determine who the leading figure of Mt Kenya region is between Ruto and Gachagua, after UDA won the Mbeere North seat recently election.

“This will be a contest between President William Ruto and Rigathi Gachagua. It’s here that the mountain’s politics will be showcased. It's likely to be another Kipipiri,” former Igembe North Maoka Maore says, referring to the infamous by-election in the 1990s where the then ruling party Kanu was defeated even after pouring resources there.

The DCP has announced that ten candidates have shown interest in it, promising a free and fair nomination exercise.

“We wish to announce that over 10 aspirants have expressed interest in contesting on the party’s ticket in the upcoming Ol Kalou constituency by-election. We have agreed to have a free and fair party nomination at a later date that will be communicated,” party chair Cecily Mbarire said.

Already, People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has introduced Ndirangu Martin Wambugu, popularly known as Tinga Tinga, as its candidate for the forthcoming Ol Kalou by-election.

“Party Leader Hon. Martha Karua today received Ndirangu Martin Wambugu (Tinga Tinga) to PLP. He joins as the party’s candidate for the upcoming Ol Kalou Constituency by-election. Karibu PLP,” Karua wrote on X (formerly twitter).

The Party will field a candidate in the upcoming Ol Kalou by-election, in line with the basis that a member of the Jubilee Party previously held the position. The Party further affirms its members and the entire people of Ol Kalou Constituency of free, fair, and transparent nominations that reflect democratic values and the will of the people,” Jubilee Secretary General Montalel Ole Kenta said.