Nyutu: Ol Kalou by-election proves Kenyans can vote out non-performing president in 2027
By Aloys Michael, July 23, 2026Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu has said the outcome of the Ol Kalou by-election in Nyandarua County has demonstrated that Kenyans are prepared to vote out a president they believe is not performing, arguing that the contest offers an early indication of the political mood ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking in an interview on a local TV station on Thursday, July 23, 2026, Nyutu described the result as a turning point in Kenyan politics, saying it showed voters are increasingly determined to reject electoral malpractice and make independent choices at the ballot.
“I’m glad to be here. It’s true. I have not appeared in any media house since we got that big victory in Ol Kalou as DCP,” Nyutu said.
The Ol Kalou by-election was one of the first significant electoral tests ahead of the 2027 General Election, with both the opposition and the Kenya Kwanza administration closely watching its outcome.
According to Nyutu, the vote demonstrated that the influence of money in elections is diminishing.
“One implication is that dirty money, stolen money, being flushed everywhere will not be a factor during the next elections,” he said.
The Murang’a senator claimed that public resources intended for essential government programmes were instead being used to influence voters during campaigns, even as the IEBC continues to review the mini-poll events ahead of the 2027.
“Ol Kalou residents have shown that you can take money from government with the knowledge that the government doesn’t have any money that they get from somewhere. It is stolen money,” Nyutu claimed.
He argued that such funds should instead finance education and healthcare, saying government resources ought to ensure every child has access to quality education and that hospitals receive timely payments to improve healthcare services.
Despite what he described as attempts to sway voters with money, Nyutu said residents made their decision independently.
“Voters have shown that in the midst of all these, that you are bringing in money, we will vote with our conscience,” he said.
The senator also said the Ol Kalou by-election had demonstrated that Kenyans are increasingly committed to defending the integrity of elections.
“Voters of Ol Kalou have shown that wananchi will make sure that the elections next year will be free and fair, that nobody will be allowed to steal the vote from anybody and wananchi will protect their vote,” Nyutu said.
He argued that the outcome should serve as a warning to politicians hoping to rely on electoral manipulation in 2027.
“It is a lesson to all of us who will be vying for seats next year that you will have to win a seat. Stealing an election is something that Kenyans have said no to, and they are ready to guard the vote,” he said.
2027 political acid test
Nyutu further maintained that the Ol Kalou vote sent a direct political message to President William Ruto’s administration, saying Kenyans would judge leaders based on their performance rather than campaign promises.
He said the people of Ol Kalou had shown that it is possible to vote out a president who is not performing, arguing that elected leaders hold office only through the mandate of the people and must remain accountable throughout their term.
The senator also urged political leaders to show greater respect for voters and their opponents during campaigns.
“It is also a lesson that leaders should respect the electorate,” he said.
Nyutu criticised politicians who use derogatory language against rivals, arguing that such remarks offend entire communities associated with those leaders.
“When you go out there and call somebody a chokora, you are insulting the community from which that particular candidate comes from,” he said.
He maintained that the Ol Kalou by-election had demonstrated a growing demand for accountability, improved public service delivery and credible elections.
According to the senator, the contest has set the tone for the 2027 General Election by showing that Kenyan voters are increasingly willing to reject money politics, protect their votes and hold leaders, including the president, to account through the ballot.