NAIROBI, Kenya—The United Alternative Government has announced plans to field a single candidate in the upcoming Ol Kalou Parliamentary by-election, in a move seen as a major test of opposition unity ahead of the 2027 general election.
Speaking on behalf of the opposition formation, convenor and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka said coalition partners had resolved to back one candidate in the july 16, 2026 contest in a bid to consolidate opposition support and maximise their chances of capturing the seat.
Kalonzo said the coalition would use an independent scientific survey and credible opinion polling to determine the most popular and electable candidate among those seeking the opposition’s backing.
“The coalition will rely on an independent scientific survey and credible opinion polling to identify the most viable candidate capable of securing victory and effectively representing the people of Ol Kalou,” he said.
The by-election was occasioned by the death of Ol Kalou MP David Njuguna, who passed away on March 29, 2026, while undergoing treatment in Nairobi following a long illness.
The contest is expected to attract significant political attention, with both the ruling and opposition camps viewing it as an important gauge of public sentiment ahead of the next general election.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has cleared nine candidates to vie for the seat.
Among the leading contenders are United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Samuel Nyaga, Democratic Congress Party’s Sammy Nyotho and Jubilee Party candidate Wilson Kigwa.
The opposition leaders said the decision to unite behind a single candidate demonstrates their commitment to placing national and public interests above individual political ambitions.
They further urged electoral agencies and security authorities to guarantee a credible electoral process, warning against voter bribery, misuse of public resources and intimidation of voters during the campaign period.
Political observers are expected to closely watch the ol kalou race, which could offer an early indication of shifting political alliances and voter sentiments as the country gradually begins positioning itself for the 2027 elections.
