Amisi says 26-year-old PM Party candidate is gaining ground in Ol Kalou
By Sharon Atieno, July 13, 2026Saboti Member of Parliament (MP) Caleb Amisi has declared that People’s Renaissance Movement (PM) Party candidate Timothy Kamau Kariuki has emerged among the leading contenders in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election after a three-day campaign tour in the constituency.
In a statement shared on his X account after concluding the campaign on Monday, July 13, 2026, Amisi said the 26-year-old candidate, popularly known as Timo, had transformed from a relatively unknown aspirant into one of the top contestants in the race.
“I leave Ol Kalou, having popularised Timo from a boy hardly known beyond his local primary school to now among the top three contestants in the by-election,” Amisi said.
Youth candidate gains visibility
Amisi described Kariuki as a young leader who had mounted a modest campaign, saying his main means of transport during the campaign was a donkey.
He argued that despite limited resources, the PM Party candidate had managed to compete against seasoned politicians backed by established political parties.
“I am proud because I have helped an ambitious young man to participate in a high-voltage election, marred by chaos, voter bribery, massive use of state resources and hundreds of big wigs supporting older well-established candidates,” he stated.
The legislator maintained that the campaign had already delivered a victory for young people seeking elective office despite financial and political obstacles.
Message to young Kenyans
Amisi said Kariuki’s candidature symbolised hope for millions of young Kenyans aspiring to leadership without political godfathers or influential family backgrounds.
“This is a win to millions of young Kenyans who believe Kenya has a place for them too, who compete without a family name, without a godfather and deficient of resources,” he said.
He further argued that regardless of the outcome of the July 16 by-election, Kariuki had already established himself as a future political force.
“Even if, in the unlikely event, he does not make it on Thursday, definitely he stands as the next MP in the 2027 election,” Amisi added.
Ol Kalou race intensifies
The Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election has attracted national attention, drawing senior political leaders from rival camps as they seek to influence the outcome of a contest widely viewed as an early test of political strength ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The campaign has featured intense mobilisation by major political parties and independent formations, with candidates making a final push for support before voters head to the ballot.
Earlier campaign laid groundwork
Amisi’s latest remarks build on his earlier campaign efforts in Ol Kalou, where he spent several days mobilising support for Kariuki ahead of the July 16 by-election.
During the tour, the Saboti MP said he was inspired by the 26-year-old’s decision to contest despite limited resources, noting that his use of a donkey during campaigns reflected humility and reminded him of his own political journey as he seeks to challenge candidates backed by larger political parties in the closely watched Ol Kalou parliamentary race.