Dagoretti North Member of Parliament (MP) Beatrice Elachi has challenged former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over his concerns regarding security deployment ahead of the Ol Kalou Constituency by-election, saying voters should be allowed to freely exercise their democratic rights as the country watches the contest for signals ahead of the 2027 polls.

The Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election has attracted national attention after becoming a political contest between President William Ruto’s allies and Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).

The election is being closely monitored because of its wider political implications, with both sides seeking to demonstrate influence ahead of the next presidential race.

Gachagua recently wrote to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, raising concerns over the deployment of security officers to Ol Kalou, arguing that the presence of a large number of officers could undermine confidence in the electoral process.

The DCP boss demanded that officers deployed to the constituency operate in uniform, display identification details, and maintain neutrality during polling.

Responding to the concerns, Elachi said Gachagua should allow voters to determine the outcome rather than focusing on security arrangements.

Elachi questions Gachagua’s police concerns

Speaking in an interview on a local TV station on Thursday, July 16, 2026, Elachi said Gachagua’s decision to involve the Inspector General of Police in the matter raised questions, especially given his previous claims that residents in the region listen to his political direction.

“The former deputy president, I don’t think should worry so much. He has always said the people listen to him in Ol Kalou; they will do what you say,” Elachi said.

She argued that raising concerns about police deployment could suggest uncertainty about political support on the ground.

“Even bringing the Inspector General into the picture, I don’t think is right. You’re trying to say you’re not so much in control then, and now you want the police to do this,” she stated.

The lawmaker insisted that the priority should be a peaceful and transparent election where residents choose their preferred candidate without interference.

“What we want to see in Ol Kalou is a free and fair election, and people expressing their democratic rights,” Elachi said.

She added that supporters of different political parties should be allowed to participate freely, whether they support President Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), Gachagua’s DCP, or other candidates.

“Those who will support the ones in the UDA party, let them support. Those who will support into the DCP, let them support,” she said.

Elachi also noted that the presence of nine candidates in the race could significantly affect the final outcome by splitting the vote.

“We have nine candidates going in on Ol Kalou. Nine. I know we have concentrated so much on two, but these nine are also going to create what I normally say, you will divide this vote until we won’t even know,” she said.

Ol Kalou’s Mt Kenya test

The MP said voter turnout would be one of the most important measures of the election, noting that by-elections in Kenya often attract lower participation compared to general elections.

She said the enthusiasm witnessed during campaigns should translate into strong voter participation on polling day.

“What matters is are we going to have a good turnout in this election, so that people will feel,” Elachi said.

The Ol Kalou Constituency contest comes as the area prepares for a major political moment, with 73,480 registered voters expected to cast their ballots across 144 polling stations.

Security arrangements have also remained a major talking point, with political leaders calling for a peaceful process and public confidence during voting.

Elachi said the election carries significance beyond the constituency, describing it as a moment that will provide insight into Kenya’s political direction.

“This is a moment of truth for William Ruto, as far as you know,” she said.

The seat has historical political significance after being won by the Jubilee Party in the 2022 General Election, when the political landscape was shaped by retired President Uhuru Kenyatta’s influence.

Neither President Ruto nor Gachagua’s current political formation held the constituency at that time, making the 2026 contest a fresh battle for influence.

As voting continues, the Ol Kalou by-election is expected to remain under national scrutiny as political players assess voter sentiment and prepare for the broader contest ahead of the 2027 General Election.