Eldas Member of Parliament Adan Keynan has described the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election as a wake-up call for President William Ruto and his team, urging them to review their strategies with 13 months remaining before the 2027 General Election.

Speaking in an interview on July 16, 2026, shortly after polling closed, Keynan said the contest provided important lessons for the government and political players as they prepare for the next election cycle.

“But I must say this without fear, that this is going to be a wake-up call to the president and his handlers. It’s an opportunity for them to go back to the drawing board and recalibrate the activities of the government and the party and tailor them both for the development of the Republic of Kenya and for winning 2027,” he said.

He congratulated Ol Kalou residents for turning out peacefully in a highly competitive by-election that attracted national attention. Keynan said voters exercised their democratic rights calmly and chose candidates of their choice despite concerns over tensions surrounding the contest.

He also praised the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for conducting the process transparently and fairly, acknowledging the challenges faced by the electoral body in managing Kenya’s political environment.

Keynan said the commission had performed well under difficult circumstances and expressed hope that similar standards would be maintained as the country approaches the 2027 polls.

Keynan praises security teams, calls for accountability

On security, Keynan commended police and multi-agency teams for maintaining peace during the by-election.

He noted that more than 1,000 officers had been deployed but acknowledged that isolated incidents occurred during the exercise.

Keynan raised concerns over cases where plain-clothed police officers were seen acting heavily on camera and incidents where journalists from television stations had their equipment confiscated.

He called for action against individuals carrying guns while dressed in civilian clothes, saying they should face the law to protect the constitution and uphold the rule of law.

“Arrest individuals wielding guns in civilian clothes and subject them to the full force of the law,” Keynan said.

He said Kenya had once again demonstrated democratic maturity in the Horn of Africa and East Africa, adding that political disagreements were expected but citizens continued to uphold peaceful elections.

Keynan said the absence of large-scale violence despite the charged political environment showed the resilience of Kenya’s democratic institutions.

Ol Kalou result offers lessons ahead of 2027

Keynan said the outcome of the by-election carried political lessons but should not be considered a final measure of the 2027 General Election.

He compared the contest to past political battles in the region, including the 1996 by-election history in the Kibibiri and Ol Kalou area.

At the time of his interview, Keynan said UDA candidate Samuel Muchina Nyaga appeared to be leading. However, as tallying continued, provisional results showed DCP candidate Sammy Kamau Waweru gaining ground.

Muchina later conceded defeat in a Facebook post on Thursday evening. “Congratulations, Sammy Kamau Waweru. Go serve the people of Ol Kalou Constituency,” Muchina wrote.

DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua also ran a parallel tallying centre to monitor the results independently.

Keynan said politics remained dynamic and that “one day in politics is a very long time.” He said the by-election offered insight into voter sentiments amid political campaigns and mobilisation.

As a supporter of President Ruto’s re-election bid, Keynan said the outcome should prompt reflection within the government and the ruling party.

He urged the president and his team to return to the drawing board, review their activities and align their priorities with national development and the 2027 election strategy.

Keynan also defended the government’s development agenda, saying projects should continue across the country regardless of political support.

He said development should not be politicised and called for steps that address the needs of Kenyans while strengthening the government’s position ahead of the next election.

The Ol Kalou by-election has provided both a peaceful democratic exercise and political lessons for parties preparing for 2027.