Why Ol-Kalou by-election is a litmus test for Gachagua, voters
Politics
By
Jacob Ochiro
| Jul 09, 2026
Next week Thursday is poised to be a definitive day for the future of Kenya’s political landscape. The Ol-Kalou by-election is shaping to be a definitive test for the Kenyan voter and the opposition given that it may well be the final by-election before the 2027 General election.
At the center of it is the Kenyan voter. From the campaigns, it has become crystal clear that the Government has taken a huge number of developmental projects and other goodies to Ol-Kalou in what is being seen as a move to hoodwink the voter.
From last mile electricity connections, upgrading of road networks, issuance of title deeds to mattresses, subsidized LPG gas cylinders, blankets etc.
Opposition figures have been rallying the residents to take the goodies but to vote for the ‘right’ candidate on the polling day, a statement which the electorate has followed through and now it’s a wait-and-see situation next week.
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There have been conversations that the electorate has turned a corner in terms of their voting patterns but that has yet to be translated in an election. The political class will be watching to see whether these goodies still have a sway on the electorate or the people will remain resolute.
Additionally, the youthful voters will be on the weighing scale to see whether they will turn out to exercise their democratic right in their numbers. The timing is perfect for them to move their agitation from the streets and online to the ballot.
For Rigathi, this by-election is the first opportunity for his party to flex its muscle as the party to beat in 2027. Given that this is the first by-election in the Mount Kenya region where DCP has fielded a candidate, people will be keen to see whether the popularity of the party and Gachagua in the Mountain is what he claims to be.
On 3rd July, while speaking to a delegation from Narok county at his Wamunyoro home the former Deputy President expressed confidence that despite all the Government goodies, the Ol-Kalou electorate will remain resolute.
“President Ruto will be surprised when the results are announced. Money is being poured like in Narok and Kariobangi North. Did they win?” he said referring to the Narok township and Kariobangi North wards by-elections held in November last year where the DCP candidates won against UDA candidates.”
While addressing a delegation from Westlands constituency on Wednesday(today), Gachagua said that Nyandarua senator John Methu has done a great job campaigning for their candidate Sammy Ngotho despite him not stepping foot in the area yet.
Gachagua will be keen to bag the seat and score one over the current regime crucially just before the General election especially after the opposition lost the Mbeere North seat to UDA. The Linda Mwananchi brigade has also planned to make several stops in the constituency on Sunday but it remains to be seen which candidate they will back.