Baringo North Member of Parliament Joseph Makilap has described the outcome of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election as a political wake-up call for the Kenya Kwanza coalition ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking on July 18, 2026, during the Aiyebo Boys High School Thanksgiving and Prayer Day in Kabartonjo Ward, Baringo North Constituency, Makilap said Kenya Kwanza had deliberately refrained from making emotional public comments on the by-election results to avoid escalating political tensions.

Instead, he said the coalition had taken the outcome as an important political message from the Mt Kenya region.

“Mwaka wa 1995 kwa Kipipiri, tuliona mambo haya pia, kwa hivyo sasa hii ingine ya Ol Kalou, nataka niwaambie tumesikia na tumeona, hatuna maneno,” Makilap said.

He urged residents across the Rift Valley to treat the results as a reminder that preparations for the next general election should begin early through voter mobilisation and registration.

DCP secures decisive victory

Makilap’s remarks came days after the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election in Nyandarua County, which was held following the death of former area MP David Kiaraho.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) declared Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Sammy Douglas Waweru Kamau the winner after he garnered 35,440 votes.

United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Samuel Muchina Nyagah finished second with 5,450 votes, while Jubilee Party candidate Wilson Mwaniki Kigwa received 198 votes.

A total of 41,656 votes were cast out of 73,480 registered voters, translating to a voter turnout of 57 per cent.

The contest attracted national attention, with senior political leaders from both DCP and UDA actively campaigning for their respective candidates throughout the campaign period.

Following his victory, Kamau called for unity and urged leaders to work together for the benefit of Ol Kalou residents.

“Asiyekubali kushindwa si mshindani. Leo ni mimi, na kesho bado si nyinyi. 2027 bado ni mimi,” he said.

Call for voter registration

Makilap appealed to chiefs and other National Government Administration Officers to intensify civic awareness campaigns on the importance of acquiring national identification cards and registering as voters.

He said ensuring eligible citizens possess identification documents and voter cards well before the election period would strengthen participation in the democratic process.

According to the legislator, early mobilisation will help increase voter turnout and enhance the region’s political influence during the 2027 General Election.

He cautioned that failure to prepare adequately could weaken the Rift Valley’s bargaining power in future political contests.

Makilap’s remarks add to the growing political debate following the Ol Kalou by-election, which has prompted leaders across the political divide to reassess their grassroots strategies ahead of the 2027 polls.