The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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The contest for the Ol Kalou parliamentary seat has intensified after former MCA Sammy Ngotho secured the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) ticket ahead of the July 16, 2026 by-election.
Ngotho won the party primaries with 12,957 votes, defeating his nearest rival Paul Waiganjo, who garnered 4,978 votes.
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The nominations drew nine candidates, including Wakili Kiragu Wathuta and Isaac Ndirangu, highlighting the increasing political importance of the Nyandarua County race.
Ngotho previously vied for the seat under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) during the 2022 General Election, where he finished behind the late MP David Njuguna Kiaraho.
After clinching the DCP nomination, Ngotho is now set to face UDA candidate Samuel Muchina Nyagah and other contenders in the by-election once cleared by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Muchina earned the UDA ticket after narrowly defeating nine opponents in a closely fought primary. According to the ruling party, he received 3,221 votes, edging out George Wambugu Kanuri who secured 3,077 votes.
National Elections Board member Jimmy Kahindi officially handed Muchina the nomination certificate at Mumbi Primary School after the exercise concluded.
Peter Njoroge Mugo finished third with 1,049 votes, followed by Mary Nyokabi Kamau with 406 votes. Other candidates included Peter Chuchu Njuguna (158), Maina Kiambati (96), Joseph Ndirangu (90), Ezekiah Kamweru (66), Daniel Ndungu (52), and Stanley Mwangi (43).
In a statement after the nominations, UDA congratulated Muchina on securing the party ticket for the upcoming July 16 by-election.
Muchina previously worked as personal assistant to the late MP David Kiaraho, a connection analysts believe may strengthen his support among voters looking for continuity in leadership.
The Ol Kalou parliamentary seat became vacant on April 20, 2026 after National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula officially declared the position vacant through a Gazette Notice following Kiaraho’s death.
Kiaraho passed away on March 29, 2026 while receiving treatment at Nairobi Hospital.
The IEBC later announced July 16 as the date for the by-election, setting the stage for what is expected to be a highly competitive political contest in the Mt Kenya region.
With party nominations now complete, focus is shifting to the main campaigns as UDA seeks to defend the seat against mounting pressure from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s DCP party.
Political observers believe the by-election will draw nationwide attention, as both sides view it as a crucial measure of political influence, grassroots support, and voter loyalty in the Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The mini-poll is also expected to offer an early assessment of DCP’s popularity in the region following Gachagua’s fallout with President William Ruto and his subsequent departure from government.
