IEBC Sets July 16 Date for Ol Kalou Constituency By-Election

IEBC Sets July 16 Date for Ol Kalou Constituency By-Election

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has officially set Thursday, July 16, 2026, as the date for the Ol Kalou Constituency by-election in Nyandarua County, paving the way for a high-stakes political contest following the death of area Member of Parliament David Njuguna Kiaraho.

In a notice released on Sunday, April 26, the electoral body confirmed that voters in the constituency will return to the ballot to elect a new representative to the National Assembly, months after the seat fell vacant.

“By-Election for Member of National Assembly for Olkalou Constituency in Nyandarua County will be held on Thursday, 16th July, 2026,” the commission announced in its official communication.

The vacancy arose after National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula issued a special Gazette Notice on April 20, formally declaring the seat vacant in accordance with constitutional provisions governing the loss of a Member of Parliament.

Kiaraho, who had represented Ol Kalou since 2013, passed away on March 29, 2026, while undergoing treatment at The Nairobi Hospital. His death marked the end of a three-term tenure that had seen him play a key role in local and national legislative matters.

The announcement by the IEBC has now triggered political activity in the region, with major parties already gearing up for what is expected to be a closely watched contest. The by-election is widely seen as an early test of political strength ahead of the 2027 General Election.

President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) are expected to be the main contenders in the race, with both camps mobilising support and preparing for competitive nominations.

On Wednesday, April 22, at least 10 aspirants seeking the UDA ticket presented themselves before Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, signalling intense interest within the ruling party. Party officials urged the aspirants to consider consensus-building while assuring them of a transparent nomination process.

The Ol Kalou by-election is being viewed within political circles as a litmus test for UDA’s internal cohesion and its ability to maintain dominance in its traditional strongholds.

Meanwhile, Gachagua revealed that his DCP party has attracted at least nine aspirants seeking to fly its flag in the mini-poll, underscoring the growing influence of the relatively new political outfit.

Beyond Nyandarua, the IEBC is also preparing for a series of other by-elections across the country, reflecting ongoing changes in electoral representation at both national and county levels.

Notably, the commission announced that a parliamentary by-election in Emurua Dikirr Constituency in Narok County will take place earlier, on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The mini-poll will be conducted alongside ward-level by-elections in Porro Ward in Samburu County and Endo Ward in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

“By-elections will be held in the following electoral areas: Member of National Assembly for Emurua Dikirr Constituency in Narok County, Member of County Assembly for Porro Ward in Samburu County and Endo Ward in Elgeyo/Marakwet County,” IEBC stated in a separate notice.

Political analysts note that the upcoming by-elections will offer key insights into shifting alliances, voter sentiment, and party strength ahead of the next general election cycle.

As campaigns begin to gather momentum, attention will be on how parties manage nominations, articulate their agendas, and connect with voters on local development issues.

For residents of Ol Kalou, the by-election presents an opportunity to choose a new leader who will continue the constituency’s development agenda while representing their interests in Parliament.

With the date now set, the focus shifts to the IEBC’s preparedness to conduct a credible poll, as well as the conduct of political players in ensuring a peaceful and fair electoral process in the months ahead.

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IEBC Sets July 16 Date for Ol Kalou Constituency By-Election