Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has stepped up campaigns for United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Samuel Muchina Nyagah ahead of the upcoming by-election scheduled for July 16, 2026.

Kuria joined Muchina on Thursday evening, June 11, 2026, during a public engagement in Kadeto Karau Ward where they met residents and discussed key local concerns. The meeting formed part of intensified campaign efforts as the contest enters its final stages.

The by-election follows the death of three-term Member of Parliament David Kiaraho in March 2026, leaving the Olkalou seat vacant and triggering a competitive race in the Mt. Kenya region.

Campaign message and voter appeal

In a statement on X, Kuria said the engagement focused on development priorities and accountability in leadership.

“Later this evening, I joined Candidate Samuel Muchina in Kadeto Karau Ward, Olkalou Constituency, for a robust engagement with the residents. We deliberated on the salient issues confronting the community and underscored the necessity for voters to prioritize development, accountability, and effective service delivery as we approach the forthcoming election,” he said.

With voting set for July 16, 2026, Kuria called on residents to participate in large numbers and support the UDA candidate.

“With Election Day scheduled for 16th July 2026, I implored the electorate of Kadeto Karau to turn out in substantial numbers and vote Hon. Muchina. He is a leader of action and conviction, whose intimate understanding of Olkalou’s aspirations qualifies him to steward the constituency toward transformative progress. The message was unequivocal: the future demands leadership that delivers.”

Political contest and party position

UDA has positioned Muchina as its flagbearer after he secured the party nomination during primaries held in mid-May 2026, where he garnered 3,221 votes against George Wambugu Kanuri’s 3,077. Party officials described the process as competitive and credible.

The party leadership has linked the campaign to its Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, highlighting development projects and service delivery as key priorities for the constituency.

Senior party officials, including Secretary General Hassan Omar Hassan, have continued to mobilize support across Olkalou through grassroots campaigns and ward-level meetings.

Opposition race and political dynamics

The contest includes candidates from several parties, with Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) fielding Sammy Kamau Ngotho. The race has attracted attention from political leaders aligned to different national formations, with campaigns intensifying across wards.

Political leaders have urged coalition-building among opposition parties to consolidate support ahead of the poll, while UDA continues to campaign on development and governance messages.