Donkey-Riding Candidate Draws Attention as Ol Kalou Heads to the Polls

The Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election was marked by an unusual campaign display, an alleged vote-buying incident and the arrest of a political activist as voters turned out in large numbers on Thursday. 

People’s Renaissance Movement candidate Timothy Kamau Kariuki arrived at Kieni Primary School polling station on a donkey, saying it reflected the economic challenges facing many Kenyans. He said rising fuel prices had made the animal a practical and affordable means of transport during his campaign. 

"The fuel of a donkey is simply grass," he said, adding that his approach reflected the everyday experiences of local residents. 

The donkey became a distinctive feature of his campaign, setting him apart from candidates who used conventional transport. At another polling station, a man was chased away by members of the public after they accused him of distributing money to voters. 

Video footage showed residents confronting the man and chanting in protest. The allegations could not be independently verified, but the incident highlighted concerns about possible electoral malpractice during the vote.

Police also arrested activist Allans Ademba, a mobiliser for the Niko Kadi movement, over social media posts they said could incite the public. Earlier, Ademba had claimed that newly registered voters were being prevented from voting and alleged that only those who cast ballots in the 2022 General Election were being allowed to vote. 

He was detained at the Ol Kalou DCI offices while police said the action was a precautionary measure. Despite the incidents, voter turnout remained strong. Long queues formed outside schools and polling stations from early morning as residents waited to cast their ballots. 

Election officials gave priority to elderly voters, expectant mothers and people with disabilities in line with electoral procedures. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) said polling would continue until 5 pm and confirmed that everyone in the queue by the closing time would be allowed to vote.

The by-election was called following the death of Jubilee MP David Njuguna Kiaraho in March. The contest has become an important test of political support in the Mt Kenya region, with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance and the opposition alliance led by Rigathi Gachagua investing significant effort in their campaigns ahead of the 2027 General Election.