DCP confirms party primaries for Ol Kalou by-election race
By Kenneth Mwenda, April 27, 2026The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) has formally notified the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) that it will hold its party primaries for the Ol Kalou Constituency parliamentary seat on May 9, 2026.
In a letter dated April 27, 2026 and signed by the party’s Secretary General Hezron Obaga, the party said the exercise will run from 6 am to 5 pm across all gazetted polling stations in Ol Kalou Constituency. The party said it will follow electoral laws and its internal nomination rules during the process.
DCP told the IEBC that it will attach a full list of the polling stations to be used in the primaries. It also asked the commission to acknowledge receipt of the notification.
“The party remains committed to upholding transparency, fairness, and credibility throughout the nomination process,” the letter reads.
The move comes just a day after DCP opened applications for aspirants seeking the party ticket for the same by-election. In a notice issued on April 26, 2026, the party invited interested candidates to apply for nomination ahead of the mini-poll set for July 16, 2026.
DCP set a non-refundable nomination fee of Ksh250,000 for general aspirants and Ksh125,000 for youth and persons with disabilities. The party said applicants must submit completed forms, supporting documents, and proof of payment to its headquarters before the deadline.
Race intensifies ahead of primaries
The party will close applications on May 2, 2026, after which it is expected to clear candidates for the primaries.
Party leader Rigathi Gachagua has already confirmed that DCP will field a candidate in the Ol Kalou race. He said the party has several aspirants and promised a competitive but fair process.
Gachagua said the party will avoid favouritism and allow members to choose their flagbearer through internal voting. He maintained that the nomination process will reflect democratic principles within the party.
The Ol Kalou by-election has attracted attention from several political parties after the seat fell vacant following the death of the area Member of Parliament, David Njuguna Kiaraho, on March 29, 2026. The IEBC later confirmed that voters will go to the polls on July 16, 2026.
Other political parties have also begun preparations. Jubilee Party and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) have both signalled interest in fielding candidates, setting the stage for a competitive race.
Jubilee has insisted it will conduct its own nominations and proceed to the ballot, while also calling for support from opposition partners in the wider political alliance. UDA has also confirmed internal competition, with more than ten aspirants already showing interest.