The campaign period for the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election will end today at 6:00 pm after a highly contested period marked by claims of violence, voter bribery, hate speech and misuse of State resources.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) had set July 13 as the end of the official campaign period, 48 hours before the election day, giving candidates time to make their final appeals to voters before the polls.
The final hours of the race have been dominated by calls for peace, with leaders urging residents to maintain calm as they prepare to vote on Thursday, July 16, 2026.
The by-election has attracted heightened political activity, with the main contenders and their supporters traversing the constituency through public rallies, church visits, football events and door-to-door campaigns.
UDA candidate Muchina Nyaga was among those making a final push for votes, with his campaign team led by Nyandarua Woman Representative Faith Gitau. On Sunday, the team attended church services before joining supporters at a football match at Kamptain market, while other groups moved from one area to another seeking votes.
Nyaga dismissed claims that the campaigns had been characterised by rising tension and called on residents to reject messages predicting violence.
“We have had elections in Ol Kalou for many years; we have never been violent. Why is an outsider prophesying violence for us? We want peaceful campaigns. If they sense defeat, let them say so instead of causing fear and unfounded allegations. Ol Kalou people should ignore those preaching violence; let us maintain peace, we will all remain here after the elections,” Nyaga said.
The Jubilee Party also intensified its campaigns for candidate Wilson Kigwa, with support from national and county officials led by Deputy Party Secretary Zack Kinuthia, Elections Director Kembi Gitura and county party chairperson Sambigi Mukuria.
The DCP campaign team, which is supporting Kamau Ngotho, moved across the constituency with teams led by members of the county assembly. Chief campaigners, including Nyandarua Senator John Methu and Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia, joined party leader Rigathi Gachagua at a church function in Mirangine before holding public meetings.
The campaigns have been taking place against the backdrop of concerns over possible violence, with political observers warning that intimidation, bribery and other tactics could affect voter turnout.
The 50-day campaign period has also been marked by accusations over the use of resources, with UDA facing claims that it had used its position in government to influence voters.
Nyaga dismissed claims that the ruling party had used its financial strength to overpower competitors.
“We have done a fantastic job under a hail of opposition propaganda. But the Ol Kalou voter is sharp,” he said, noting that voters had a chance to reject what he described as misuse of government power.
Jubilee candidate Kigwa said although the campaigns had faced challenges, he remained confident that voters would support him based on his record.
“The IEBC and security agencies did a poor job handling violence and electoral malpractices. Despite that, I had the opportunity to engage voters, and I believe my track record of service has earned their trust,” he said.
The campaign period was also affected by accusations of hate speech and inflammatory remarks. The IEBC fined Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia Sh1.5 million for hate speech, although she accused the commission of applying the electoral code of conduct selectively.
People’s Democratic Party candidate Rachel Wangui dismissed claims that the race had become a contest between only UDA and DCP.
Kenya Moja Movement candidate Mathenge Mwaniki said campaigns had shifted focus from issues affecting residents.
“The leading candidates have spent more time attacking one another and making unrealistic promises than discussing solutions to the problems facing Ol Kalou residents,” he said.
Federal Party of Kenya candidate Abdifatah Hussein criticised the campaign environment after he was unable to participate in a televised debate conducted entirely in the local vernacular.
People’s Renaissance Party candidate Timothy Kamau said voters had not received enough opportunity to discuss the constituency’s social, political and economic priorities.
“The outcome of this election should also force us to ask what truly constitutes a healthy democratic debate,” he said.
National Liberal Party candidate Stephen Wanyoike urged voters to reject leaders who seek power through corruption, violence and deception.
Party of National Unity candidate Edwin Muchiri, who campaigned without the backing of party leader Peter Munya, said he remained confident despite lacking support from high-profile party officials.
As the campaigns come to a close, several leaders and the clergy called on politicians and supporters to embrace tolerance and allow residents to make their democratic choice without intimidation.
“The fruits that we are waiting for are the fruits of peace among us. We pray that this seed of peace is going to say no to violence. This seed of peace is going to respect the democratic choice of the people of Ol-Kalou, and say no to the weaponisation of our young people,” Bishop Onesmus Kamau said.
The IEBC has completed training presiding officers and deputy presiding officers ahead of Thursday’s vote, signalling that preparations for the election are complete.
IEBC chairperson Erastus Ethekon had earlier warned that the election could be postponed or cancelled because of incidents of violence witnessed during the campaign period.
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