Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot has dismissed concerns regarding the growing influence of opposition parties in key constituencies ahead of the May 14 and July 16 by-elections.

Speaking during an interview on Herman Manyora’s podcast aired on Thursday, May 7, 2026, Cheruiyot stated that the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is on track to win the upcoming by-elections in Emurua Dikirr and Ol Kalou.

Cheruiyot addressed the perceived ground held by the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) in Emurua Dikirr, a constituency in Narok, acknowledging that the region has a history of firebrand and militant politics due to historical local dynamics. He remained firm that the UDA would not lose the seat.

“For Emurua Dikirr, these are people who, for a long time, are used to that kind of politics, like a firebrand kind of politics. Even in the times of the late MP, if you check how the numbers used to be, they were always a close margin, even when he was in a popular party,” Cheruiyot said.

“We will not lose; UDA will win. I can tell you that UDA has a very good chance,” the senator added.

Ol Kalou UDA tickets

Regarding the Ol Kalou by-election in Nyandarua, Cheruiyot stated that the high level of internal competition is a sign of party strength.

He noted that there are currently around nine strong candidates battling for the UDA ticket. According to Cheruiyot, Ol Kalou would serve as a vital confirmation that the UDA maintains a dominant voice in the mountain region.

“UDA will win. What I’m cautious about is how we handle our nomination. We have about I think seven or eight candidates in the mountain, very strong candidates, fighting for the UDA ticket. We will have to either do a nomination or find a consensus. We have to find a way,” Cheruiyot said.

By-elections dates

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced that by-elections will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026, to fill three vacant seats in Emurua Dikirr Constituency in Narok County.

In Ol Kalou Constituency Member of the National Assembly seat in Nyandarua County by-elections will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2026.

In a notice issued to the public on Sunday, April 26, 2026, the electoral body confirmed that preparations are underway to ensure a smooth and credible exercise, with voters expected to head to the polls to elect their new representative in the National Assembly.

The Emurua Dikirr parliamentary seat became vacant on March 10, 2026, following the death of area MP Johana Kipyegon Ng’eno in a helicopter crash on February 28, 2026, in the Chepkiep area of Mosop Constituency, Nandi County. He died alongside five others.

The by-election comes following the death of Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho, who was a member of Jubilee. He died on Sunday, March 29, 2026.