Activist Boniface Mwangi has likened the political troubles facing President William Ruto and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to a funeral, declaring that the party’s leadership has entered a period of denial following its defeat in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.

In a post shared on his X account on Sunday, July 19, 2026, Mwangi said the political leadership associated with Ruto and UDA had begun to crumble, arguing that the party’s reaction to the Ol Kalou outcome reflected shock and disbelief.

“Umpendaye akikufa, unazika. Utalia lakini upende usipende, lazima azikwe au achomwe ili asilete magonjwa kwa jamii,” Mwangi said.

He added: “Ruto na watu wa UDA wamepigwa na butwaa kubwa kwa sababu mazishi ya uongozi wao yameanza. Denial is the first stage of grief and UDA’s loud mourning is the proof!”

UDA candidate concedes defeat

Mwangi’s remarks came after UDA candidate Samuel Muchina conceded defeat in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election and congratulated Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Sammy Kamau Waweru.

Muchina acknowledged his opponent’s victory even as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) continued with the tallying and verification of results.

“Congratulations Sammy Kamau Waweru. Go serve the people of Ol Kalou Constituency,” Muchina said in a statement shared on Facebook.

DCP candidate leads

The concession came as provisional results indicated that Kamau Ngotho was on course to win the closely watched contest, which attracted national political attention.

The outcome has since triggered political debate over the strength of UDA’s support in the Mt Kenya region and the possible implications of the result ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Gachagua runs parallel tally

DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua also announced a parallel tallying exercise as the official counting process continued.

“We will have a parallel counting system on our DCP page so that Kenyans can follow,” Gachagua said.

The Ol Kalou contest has since emerged as a major political test for UDA and the opposition as parties position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.