IEBC sets date for registration of candidates ahead of Ol Kalou by-election
By Emmanuel Rono, May 19, 2026The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced that it will conduct the registration and nomination of candidates for the Member of National Assembly seat for Ol Kalou Constituency on May 25 and 26, 2026, ahead of the upcoming July 16, 2026 by-election.
In a notice on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, the commission said the nomination exercise will take place at PCEA Hall Ol Kalou.
The IEBC further urged interested candidates to ensure they meet all the constitutional and legal requirements before presenting their nomination papers during the two-day exercise.
“The Commission will be undertaking Registration/ Nomination of Candidates for the position of Member of National Assembly, Ol Kalou Constituency #16th July Election on 25th and 26th May 2026. The Nomination venue is: PCEA Hall, Ol Kalou,” IEBC said.
The by-election comes following the death of Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho, who was a member of Jubilee. He died on Sunday, March 29, 2026.
Key figures to watch ahead of July by-polls
The battle for the seat has attracted significant political activity as parties and independent aspirants move to consolidate support in the constituency ahead of the July 2026 polls.
The ruling party, United Democratic Alliance (UDA), has settled for Samuel Muchina Nyagah as the candidate for the Ol Kalou Constituency by-election after securing 3,221 votes to clinch the nomination certificate after edging out his closest rival, George Wambugu Kanuri, who garnered 3,077 votes.
Speaking at the UDA headquarters after receiving a nomination certificate on May 14, 2026, Muchina said he is fully committed to working for the people of Ol Kalou and ensuring that local development challenges are addressed.
“Tunasimamia progress ya Ol Kalou Constituency na ndiyo sababu tukajitoa ili tuweze kufanya yale ambayo wananchi wa Ol Kalou yatawafaidia. Kwa hivyo sisi tukiwa tumesimama hapa, nikiwa na timu hii ambayo tulikuwa tunashindana nao, we were standing, and we were contesting for progress for the people of Ol Kalou,” Muchina stated.
The Democracy for Citizens (DCP) party has also settled on Kamau Ngotho to run for the position. He emerged as DCP’s ultimate winner, scooped 12,957 votes and was awarded the party ticket.
Nyandarua Senator John Methu has promised his party leader, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, that he will deliver the Ol Kalou seat to the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP).
While speaking during the DCP leaders’ trip to the United Kingdom on Sunday, May 17, 2026, the outspoken Nyandarua senator vowed that the Ol Kalou seat is a must-win for the party.
“I am back at home, and together with Wanjiku Muhia, we will work and make sure that we deliver the Ol Kalou seat.”
The Jubilee Party also announced that Wilson Kigwa is its flagbearer for the upcoming polls. Kigwa is in a battle to defend the seat, which was previously held by the outfit.
“Jubilee Party remains stronger, more focused, and more prepared than ever before. We are fully mobilised and ready to engage the people of Ol Kalou with a message of hope, development, unity, and accountable leadership,” Kenta stated.