Opposition agrees to back single candidate in Ol Kalou by-election

The United Alternative Government has agreed to back a single candidate in the Ol Kalou by-election scheduled for July 16, 2026, saying the choice will be made through an independent scientific survey and opinion polling to boost the coalition's chances of winning the seat.

Out of nine candidates who were cleared by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), eight are from the opposition while one is from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

In a statement, the coalition said the decision followed consultations among its partners, adding that the move is aimed at strengthening unity and improving electoral performance in the upcoming contest.

“Following extensive consultations among coalition partners, we have reached a principled agreement to support a single candidate under the United Alternative Government banner. 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. This approach reflects our commitment to unity, democracy, and evidence-based decision-making, while demonstrating that the national interest must always take precedence over individual political ambitions," reads the statement.

The group described the Ol Kalou by-election as a key test of constitutional democracy and called for a free and fair process.

“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 people of Ol Kalou must be allowed to exercise their democratic right without fear, coercion, or interference. No Kenyan should be forced to choose between conscience and a handout, and no election should be won through intimidation, manipulation, or the purchase of votes," the coalition said.

Candidates cleared for the race include Abdulahi Abdifatah Hussein (Federal Party of Kenya), Kariuku Timothy Kamau (People's Renaissance Party), Samuel Muchina Nyaga (United Democratic Alliance), Edward Mathenge (Kenya Moja Movement), Rachael Wangui Njoroge (People's Democratic Party), Wilson Kigwa (Jubilee Party), Stephen Wanyoike (National Liberal Party), Kamau Ngotho (Democracy for the Citizens Party), and Edwin Kariiri Muchiri (Party of National Unity).

Ebola-related programmes

The United Alternative Government also raised concern over the handling of Ebola-related arrangements, accusing the government of secrecy and poor communication. The group has now demanded full disclosure of all related documents.

“Instead of providing timely information, consulting stakeholders, and reassuring the public, this Ruto regime has chosen secrecy, half-truths, and arrogance. As a result, Kenyans are left with more questions than answers regarding the reported agreements, protocols, and arrangements entered into by the Government and their potential implications for public health,” it said.

“We demand the immediate publication of all agreements, protocols, commitments, and related documentation concerning Ebola-related programmes, facilities, and arrangements. Kenyans have a right to know what their government is doing in their name.”

The coalition stressed that public health matters require transparency.

“The protection of public health is a constitutional obligation and a matter of national security. Any arrangement involving one of the world's deadliest infectious diseases must be subjected to the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and public scrutiny.”

“More fundamentally, this controversy has exposed a painful contradiction. A Government that cannot adequately equip public hospitals, guarantee the availability of essential medicines, or address the chronic challenges facing our healthcare system, now expects Kenyans to blindly trust its assurances on a matter of such grave national importance. Trust is the currency of leadership, and transparency is the foundation upon which that trust is built. This regime has failed both tests.”

Finance Bill 2026

On the Finance Bill 2026, the coalition accused the government of repeating past mistakes and ignoring public concerns. It said Kenyans are already under pressure from high taxes, rising debt, shrinking incomes, struggling businesses and unemployment, arguing that the current approach of more taxation and borrowing is unsustainable.

The coalition insisted that corruption and wastage must be addressed before any new taxes are introduced, saying citizens want accountability and value for money rather than added burdens.

“Whether it is the secrecy surrounding the reported Ebola arrangements, the punitive taxation proposed in the Finance Bill 2026, or attempts to undermine democratic choice through voter bribery, intimidation, and the misuse of State power, the pattern is the same: Ruto places his own interests above those of the Kenyan people," it said.

It further linked the Finance Bill, Ebola arrangements and electoral issues to what it called a wider crisis of leadership, accusing the government of prioritising self-interest and warning that public trust depends on transparency, accountability and fair governance.