President William Ruto has congratulated Samuel Muchina Nyagah after he clinched the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket for the upcoming Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election slated for July 16, 2026.

In a post on Saturday, May 9, 2026, Ruto praised Nyagah for emerging victorious and reaffirmed the ruling party’s commitment to unity and grassroots democracy ahead of the crucial mini-poll in Nyandarua County.

“Congratulations, Samuel Muchina Nyagah, on your nomination to carry the UDA flag in the Ol Kalou Constituency by-election slated for July 16th, 2026,” the UDA chief wrote on X.

The President also commended the other aspirants who participated in the tightly contested nominations, saying their involvement demonstrated the democratic culture within the Kenya Kwanza-affiliated party.

“We also salute the other nine aspirants who sought the opportunity to fly our party’s flag in the polls. Your participation is a strong affirmation of the vibrant democracy and unity that define our party,” Ruto stated.

“We wish Mr Nyagah success in the upcoming contest as we continue working together to serve the people of Ol Kalou and advance the ideals of our party.”

Nyagah was officially unveiled as the UDA candidate on Saturday, May 9, 2026, after winning the party primaries conducted a day earlier. According to results released by the ruling party, Nyagah garnered 3,221 votes to narrowly defeat his closest challenger, George Wambugu Kanuri, who secured 3,077 votes.

The closely fought race attracted ten aspirants, underlining the significance of the Ol Kalou parliamentary seat and the growing political competition in the Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Peter Njoroge Mugo finished third with 1,049 votes, while Mary Nyokabi Kamau received 406 votes. Peter Chuchu Njuguna garnered 158 votes, as Maina Kiambati managed 96 votes.

Other contestants included Joseph Ndirangu, who got 90 votes, Ezekiah Kamweru with 66 votes, Daniel Ndungu with 52 votes, and Stanley Mwangi, who received 43 votes.

UDA National Elections Board member Jimmy Kahindi presented Nyagah with the nomination certificate during an event held at Mumbi Primary School, officially clearing the way for him to fly the ruling party’s flag in the by-election.

The nomination exercise had initially faced uncertainty after the party announced a postponement to allow further consultations with candidates and local party members.

UDA-DCP Ol Kalou contest

However, the process was eventually concluded successfully, with UDA leaders hailing it as transparent and credible.

The Ol Kalou by-election is becoming a major political battleground, particularly in the Mt Kenya region, where President Ruto’s allies are seeking to maintain dominance amid growing competition from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).

The by-election is widely viewed as an early test of political influence and grassroots mobilisation strength between UDA and emerging opposition-aligned outfits seeking to make inroads in the region.

DCP has already signalled its intention to aggressively contest the seat and formally notified the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of plans to conduct its party primaries on May 9, 2026.

In a letter dated April 27, 2026, and signed by Secretary General Hezron Obaga, the party stated that its nominations would be conducted from 6 am to 5 pm across all gazetted polling stations within Ol Kalou Constituency.

“The party remains committed to upholding transparency, fairness, and credibility throughout the nomination process,” the letter stated.

The party also assured the electoral commission that it would adhere to electoral laws and internal nomination regulations during the exercise.

With UDA now settling on Nyagah as its flagbearer, attention is expected to shift to the broader campaign trail as political parties intensify efforts to court voters ahead of the July 16 by-election.

The contest is likely to attract national attention, with observers keenly watching whether UDA can retain its grip on Ol Kalou amid rising political realignments in the vote-rich Mt Kenya region.