The Ol Kalou Constituency parliamentary by-election is set for Thursday, July 16, in a contest widely viewed as a key test of political influence in the Mt. Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The by-election was necessitated by the death of former area MP David Njuguna Kiaraho on March 29, 2026, bringing to an end his long tenure representing the constituency under the Jubilee Party.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has cleared nine candidates to contest the seat, although attention has largely focused on three leading contenders representing the country's major political formations.
Samuel Muchina Nyagah is carrying the ticket of the ruling United Democratic Alliance and has received backing from President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, alongside an intensive campaign highlighting ongoing government development projects in the constituency.
His main challenger, Sammy Kamau Ngotho, popularly known as Sammy Douglas, is contesting on the Democracy for Citizens Party ticket. His campaign has been championed by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who has framed the race as a referendum on governance and executive accountability.
Also in the race is Wilson Kigwa, who is seeking to help the Jubilee Party retain a seat it has held for years.