The United Alternative Government (UAG), a coalition of opposition leaders, has announced plans to field a single candidate in the upcoming Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election through an independent scientific survey and opinion polling process.

The declaration comes just days after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) officially cleared nine candidates to contest the highly anticipated Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election scheduled for July 16, 2026.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, following consultations among coalition partners, the opposition coalition said it had reached a consensus on the need to unite behind one candidate to maximise its chances of victory in the Nyandarua County contest.

“Following extensive consultations among coalition partners, we have reached a principled agreement to support a single candidate under the United Alternative Government banner,” the statement read in part.

According to the coalition, the candidate will be selected through an independent scientific survey and credible opinion polling aimed at identifying the aspirant with the strongest prospects of winning the seat.

“The candidate will be identified through an independent scientific survey and credible opinion polling to determine the aspirant best placed to secure victory and advance the interests of the people of Ol Kalou,” the coalition stated.

The opposition described the move as a demonstration of its commitment to unity and evidence-based decision-making ahead of what is shaping up to be a politically significant by-election in the Mt Kenya region.

“This approach reflects our commitment to unity, democracy, and evidence-based decision-making, while demonstrating that the national interest must always take precedence over individual political ambitions,” the statement added.

The by-election has attracted national attention as it is expected to serve as a political barometer for competing forces seeking influence in the vote-rich Mt Kenya region.

The contest intensified after the IEBC cleared nine candidates to vie for the seat. Among the frontrunners are Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Sammy Kamau Ngotho, United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Samuel Muchina Nyagah and the Jubilee Party candidate seeking to help the former ruling party retain the constituency.

Ngotho, who arrived at the IEBC offices in a convoy of supporters, pledged major reforms if elected, including direct disbursement of bursary funds to schools to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles for parents.

UDA’s Nyagah, accompanied by senior party officials during his clearance, promised development-focused leadership and effective representation for residents.

The race has also drawn attention from smaller parties and independent political movements. People’s Renaissance Movement candidate Timothy Kamau made headlines after arriving at the nomination centre riding a donkey, using the symbolic entrance to portray himself as the face of a new political movement in the constituency.

Message to IEBC

Other candidates cleared by the electoral commission include Edwin Muchiri of PNU, Stephen Wanyoike of the National Liberal Party, Rachael Njoroge, Edward Mwaniki of the Kenya Moja Movement and Abdifatah Hussein of the Federal Party of Kenya.

The UAG has urged the IEBC, security agencies and political actors to guarantee a credible electoral process even as the IEBC opens accreditation for the mini-poll.

“We call upon the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), security agencies, and all political actors to ensure a peaceful, free, fair, and transparent election,” the coalition said.

The opposition further warned against voter bribery, intimidation and misuse of state resources during the campaign period.

“We specifically warn against voter bribery, the misuse of public resources, intimidation of voters, and the deployment of State machinery to influence the outcome,” the statement noted.

With UDA and DCP expected to battle for political supremacy in Mt Kenya, the opposition’s strategy of rallying behind a single candidate could significantly reshape the dynamics of the Ol Kalou by-election and potentially influence future political alliances ahead of the 2027 General Election.