Key Behind DP Kindiki’s Success in Ol Kalou By‑Election

DP Kithure Kindiki met UDA aspirants before Samuel Muchina’s candidacy was confirmed on April 22.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has maintained a low profile during the Ol Kalou parliamentary by‑election.
Insiders in the Kenya Kwanza administration claim he quietly directs President William Ruto’s efforts to secure the seat, turning the race into a referendum on the President’s standing in Mt Kenya.
The by‑election on July 16 followed the death of three‑term MP David Kiaraho of Jubilee, drawing national focus.
It stands as the first major showdown between ruling UDA and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s DCP.
Sources say Kindiki meets campaign teams daily and receives briefings from political leaders and government operatives in the area.
He reportedly divided the campaign structure into two tiers: elected leaders and party officials on one side, and government personnel pushing the administration’s development agenda on the other.
“UDA has won in all constituencies it fielded candidates and the broad‑based government has won overwhelmingly across the country. Unknown to many people, it is Deputy President Kithure Kindiki who has been the unseen steady hand, steering the campaigns and crafting winning strategies for us,” said Soy MP David Kiplagatt.
“Many people only talk about what he did in the Mbeere North by‑election, where he showed Wamunyoro a lot of dust despite the chest thumping he had taken to that constituency. We have absolute faith in Prof Kindiki and have no doubt that together with President Ruto, next year they will achieve a second term to manage our country,” he added.
His approach mirrored the strategy employed by Kenya Kwanza during the Mbeere North by‑election, where he acted as a key coordinator behind the scenes.
For Ruto’s allies, Ol Kalou is viewed similarly to the 2021 Kiambaa by‑election, which gave UDA a symbolic win over the Jubilee administration and fueled momentum for Ruto’s successful 2022 presidential run.
A victory would allow UDA to present itself as the dominant force in Mt Kenya and counter Gachagua’s growing influence in the region.
Conversely, a loss would serve as a barometer for the President’s support in the restless region.
The government’s campaign features a strong presence of senior state officials.
Lands Commissioner Alice Wahome recently opened the Nyandarua Lands office in Ol Kalou and issued over 2,700 title deeds.
She noted the project ended decades of challenges accessing land services.
Lands PS Nixon Korir, who joined Wahome, urged residents to support the government, asking if they wanted to choose opposition consciously.
Energy PS Alex Wachira, Nyandarua Woman Representative Faith Gitau and several UDA leaders also staged rallies backing Samuel Muchina.
Dennis Itumbi, a key figure in Ruto’s circle, held separate meetings with senior citizens and grassroots groups.
UDA deputy executive director Higgins Mbugua intensified mobilization efforts throughout the constituency.
Nominated MP Joseph Wainaina said, “We must win this Ol Kalou seat to silence those who seek to divide us. We need to defeat Gachagua the way we did in Mbeere North.”
Governor Cecily Mbarire led women‑focused campaigns alongside Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika and a team of legislators and county leaders to consolidate support for Muchina.
The UDA candidate also launched the Muchina Football League, uniting teams from all five wards in a youth mobilization effort.
Party officials said the initiative aimed to nurture talent and broaden grassroots engagement.
Despite his extensive involvement, it is unclear whether Kindiki will appear on the campaign trail in the final days or continue steering operations remotely.
The stakes rise as Gachagua retreated to his Nyeri home for 45 days to plan for the 2027 elections, unsettling some allies who view Ol Kalou as an early test of his political strength.
For both sides, the by‑election means more than a parliamentary seat.
IEBC scheduled the by‑election after Speaker Moses Wetang’ula declared the seat vacant following Kiaraho’s death in March.
Nine candidates have qualified, but the contest has narrowed to a battle between UDA’s Muchina and DCP’s Sammy Ngotho, a former aide to Gachagua and 2022 runner‑up.
Observers say turnout will be crucial, as by‑elections usually attract fewer voters than general elections.
Both camps expect the result to shape perceptions ahead of the 2027 contest and decide whether Mt Kenya remains firmly in Ruto’s camp or shifts toward his former deputy.
These high stakes explain why resources, senior officials and party strategists have poured into a constituency where a parliamentary seat hangs in the balance.