Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) Nairobi patron Irungu Nyakera has pointed out that the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is losing ground in the upcoming Ol Kalou by-election, arguing that the ruling party is now banking on efforts to have the poll delayed or cancelled after campaign tactics allegedly failed to sway voters.

Writing on X on Friday, July 10, 2026, Nyakera observed that UDA’s campaign strategy, including the distribution of household items such as mattresses and gas cookers, had failed to change the political mood in the constituency.

“UDA knows it is losing in Ol Kalou. With the mattress and gas cooker strategy failing to shift the ground, attention has turned to calls for the IEBC to delay or cancel the by-election,” Nyakera said.

Nyakera’s call on IEBC

Nyakera warned that any decision by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to postpone or cancel the by-election under political pressure would have far-reaching implications for Kenya’s electoral democracy.

According to him, the commission’s handling of the Ol Kalou contest will serve as a critical test of its independence ahead of the 2027 general election.

“If the Commission gives in, every Kenyan should be seriously concerned about the independence and credibility of the 2027 general election,” he added.

The by-elections slated for July 16 have attracted heightened political tensions in Ol Kalou, where rival parties have traded accusations over campaign conduct as the July 16 by-election approaches. The contest has attracted national attention, with senior political leaders from both the government and opposition intensifying campaigns in the constituency.

Nyakera’s comments come against a backlash of recent public debate over whether the IEBC should postpone the election because of alleged electoral malpractices, including claims of voter bribery raised by opposition figures. The electoral agency has indicated that it is monitoring the situation as political campaigns enter their final stretch.