As the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party holds nominations to choose its candidate for the upcoming Ol Kalou constituency by-election, aspirant Wangenye Ndung’u has expressed worry about the unexpectedly low voter turnout.
Speaking during the voting process today, Friday, May 8, 2026, Ndung’u called on supporters to increase their participation to ensure a conclusive result.
“I am traversing various locations, monitoring how my supporters are arriving to cast their votes,” Ndung’u mentioned. “However, a key observation I’ve made since beginning my rounds is that the attendance remains minimal. We are encouraging our supporters to come in large numbers so we can determine who will carry the UDA banner.”
The race for the UDA nomination is fiercely contested, with 10 aspirants competing to represent the party. Ndung’u, a High Court advocate, stressed the necessity of the process remaining “free, fair, and transparent” to preserve its legitimacy.
He focused on the “broader perspective,” pointing out that irrespective of which of the 10 contenders wins the ticket, the fundamental objective for all aspirants is to stay united behind the party and the President.
“The victor will receive our collective support,” Ndung’u declared, stating his aspiration to be the chosen candidate who will guide the party to triumph in the by-election.
The Ol Kalou by-election was triggered by the demise of the constituency’s long-serving Member of Parliament, David Njuguna Kiaraho, who died in March 2026.
The nomination process stands as a crucial assessment for the governing UDA party in the Mt. Kenya region, a politically significant area. After Kiaraho’s passing, the competition has drawn considerable attention, with 10 candidates vying for the UDA nomination and others pursuing the Democratic for the Citizen Party (DCP) ticket.
The substantial number of aspirants in the UDA faction compelled the party to establish formal nomination protocols, including a gathering involving all 10 aspirants and UDA Deputy Party Leader Kithure Kindiki in early May, where efforts to build consensus and guarantee a fair procedure were addressed.
Political observers perceive the by-election as more than a local race; it is regarded as a pivotal event that could influence political alignments and loyalties in Nyandarua County and the wider Mt. Kenya region leading up to the 2027 General Election. The party’s capacity to navigate this congested, high-stakes internal selection process without creating lasting rifts is under close examination by monitors.