United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Samuel Muchina has made his final appeal to Ol Kalou voters after the official close of campaigns ahead of Thursday’s parliamentary by-election, urging residents to back his vision of servant leadership, unity and development.

In a post shared on his account on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, a day after campaigns officially closed, Muchina thanked residents for supporting his campaign and said the final decision now rests with the electorate.

“My heart is filled with gratitude. Thank you, the people of Ol Kalou, for believing in our message of servant leadership, unity and meaningful development,” Muchina said.

“The decision is now in your hands. On Thursday, let us move Ol Kalou forward by voting for leadership that is ready to serve from day one. Together, we will make it happen.”

Campaign ends as focus shifts to the ballot

Muchina’s message came after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) enforced the mandatory 48-hour campaign silence period ahead of the July 16 by-election.

The contest has attracted national attention, with political observers viewing it as a key test of political influence in the Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election.

UDA is seeking to retain its dominance in the constituency through Muchina, while former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) is backing Sammy Kamau Ngotho in what has evolved into a symbolic battle for regional political supremacy.

Rival camps project confidence

The race has been characterised by confidence from both camps.

On Monday, DCP candidate Sammy Kamau Ngotho wrapped up his campaigns insisting that Ol Kalou voters had already made their choice ahead of polling day.

“The great people of Ol Kalou have made up their minds about the kind of leadership they want beginning on July 16. No amount of intimidation or tokenism will shake their resolve to secure a better tomorrow,” Ngotho said.

His campaign was backed by senior DCP leaders, including Nyandarua Senator John Methu, who urged residents to maintain peace while expressing confidence that the party would secure victory.

The intense campaigns have transformed the by-election from a contest to replace the late MP David Kiaraho into one of the country’s most closely watched political races, with analysts viewing the outcome as an early indicator of the shifting political landscape in Mt Kenya.

IEBC urges voters to prepare

With campaigns now over, attention has shifted to voter turnout, election security and the conduct of the poll.

The IEBC has advised the constituency’s 73,480 registered voters to carry their original national identity cards or valid Kenyan passports when reporting to any of the 144 polling stations across Rurii, Kanjuiri Ridge, Karau, Kaimbaga and Mirangine wards.

The commission also urged voters and stakeholders to rely only on its official communication channels for election updates as Ol Kalou heads to the ballot on Thursday.