The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has invited applications from organisations seeking accreditation as election observers and media practitioners for the Ol-Kalou Constituency Member of National Assembly by-election scheduled for Thursday, July 16, 2026.

In a public notice issued on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, the commission directed interested organisations to submit their applications through the IEBC Accreditation Management System (AMS) at https://ams.iebc.or.ke.

The deadline for submission of applications is Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 5:00 pm.

Applicants have been advised to ensure they have stable and reliable internet connectivity when submitting their details.

Accredited organisations will be issued with badges granting access to polling stations and the Constituency Tallying Centre. IEBC also emphasised that it does not pay election observers or media practitioners.

“The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) invites applications from eligible organisations to be accredited as: 1. Election Observers, 2. Media Practitioners for Ol-Kalou Constituency Member of National Assembly (MNA) By-Elections scheduled for Thursday, 16th July 2026,” the IEBC X post read in part.

For inquiries, organisations can contact the Commission via telephone at (020) 2877000 or email [email protected].

Political context ahead of the by-election

The by-election was triggered by the death of Ol-Kalou Member of Parliament David Kiaraho of the Jubilee Party on March 29, 2026. The contest has since attracted heightened political activity across major parties as they position themselves ahead of the vote.

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has fielded Samuel Muchina Nyagah after he secured 3,221 votes in party primaries held in mid-May 2026, narrowly defeating George Wambugu Kanuri, who garnered 3,077 votes. Muchina has pledged to prioritise development and service delivery for constituents.

The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) has nominated Samuel Kamau Ngotho, who emerged victorious with 12,957 votes in the party nominations.

Contested nominations

The DCP nomination process faced disputes after runner-up Paul Waiganjo, a musician-turned-politician, defected to UDA. Waiganjo claimed irregularities in the primaries, arguing that voters were ferried from neighbouring constituencies, including Kipipiri and Nakuru, and that security personnel were deployed to influence the process.

Speaking in Nakuru on May 28–29, 2026, Waiganjo said: “Hakukuwa uchaguzi wa haki...” before formally joining UDA. Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano welcomed his move, describing it as a step toward unity for development in Ol-Kalou and Nyandarua County.

The Jubilee Party, which previously held the seat, has nominated Wilson Kigwa as its candidate. Party Secretary General Ole Kenta expressed confidence in the party’s mobilisation structures. Nyandarua Senator John Methu has pledged to secure the seat for DCP, with the race expected to serve as a key test of political strength ahead of the 2027 General Election.