Irungu Kang’ata: Ol Kalou by-election has shaken Kindiki’s influence in Mt Kenya region
By David Nthua, July 21, 2026Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has said the Ol Kalou by-election outcome has weakened Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s political standing in Mt Kenya.
Speaking to a local radio station on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, Kang’ata said Kindiki must demonstrate support within the region before presenting himself as its representative in national negotiations.
His remarks followed the heavy defeat of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in Ol Kalou.
Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Sammy Kamau Ngotho won with 35,440 votes. UDA’s Samuel Muchina Nyagah received 5,450 votes. The margin was 29,990 votes.
Kindiki must demonstrate local support
“Definitely, the outcome of the Ol Kalou by-election has shaken the position of DP Kithure Kindiki in the Mt Kenya region,” Kang’ata said.
He argued that national political influence must be supported by an identifiable grassroots base.
“The politics, how they are framed, is that you first dance local before you dance abroad,” Kang’ata stated.
“You must first demonstrate local support before coming to the negotiating table.”
The Ol Kalou contest had developed into a political test between Kindiki and his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua.
Before the election, Kindiki had promised to defeat Gachagua’s camp. He said Ol Kalou would demonstrate who commanded greater support in the region.
“The election is coming in Nyandarua. I am waiting for us to meet with this man,” Kindiki said in April.
However, Gachagua’s DCP captured 85.8 per cent of the valid vote. UDA received 13.2 per cent.
Following the outcome, Kindiki congratulated Ngotho and praised Muchina for running what he described as a mature campaign. He later indicated that the ruling party would return to the drawing board.
Kang’ata rejects divided Mt Kenya
Kang’ata also dismissed suggestions that Mt Kenya East and Mt Kenya West would follow separate political directions in 2027.
“On having a divided mountain, that is a big no,” he said.
“I think that is the figment of some people’s imagination. I have no doubt that the region drifts together for several reasons, including historical and linguistic.”
His position challenges arguments that Kindiki can retain Mt Kenya East even if Gachagua dominates the western counties.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has defended Kindiki following the UDA loss.
He said the by-election outcome should not be used to measure the Deputy President’s national standing or suitability as Ruto’s 2027 running mate. Ruku maintained that Kindiki remained a national leader.
The Ol Kalou result has strengthened Gachagua’s bargaining position. It has also intensified questions about who will lead and mobilise the Mt Kenya vote ahead of the 2027 General Election.