Opposition Coalition Unites Behind New Tactic to Take on UDA in Ol Kalou By-election

The United Opposition coalition has announced that it will support a single candidate in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election scheduled for 16 July.

Speaking on Wednesday, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka said the coalition had agreed on a unified approach after consultations among its member parties. The decision marks a change from the coalition’s earlier plan, under which several aspirants had sought the seat.

The coalition, which includes Wiper, Jubilee, PNU, DCP, PLP, DP and other parties under the United Alternative Government banner, said its candidate will be selected through independent surveys and opinion polls. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said the process is designed to identify the candidate with the strongest chance of winning and representing the interests of Ol Kalou residents.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has cleared nine candidates to contest the by-election. They include Samuel Muchina Nyaga of UDA, Wilson Kigwa of Jubilee and Sammy Kamau Ngotho of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), who secured his party’s nomination on 9 May.

Other candidates are Edwin Kariiri Muchiri of PNU, Stephen Wanyoike of NLP, Rachael Wangui Njoroge of PDP, Edward Mathenge Mwaniki of the Kenya Moja Movement and Abdulahi Abdifatah Hussein of FPK. The opposition coalition said the decision to back one candidate is intended to prevent vote splitting and strengthen its challenge against the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA). 

Coalition leaders said the move reflects a commitment to cooperation and a coordinated electoral strategy. The by-election is expected to be closely contested, with UDA seeking to maintain its influence in the constituency while the opposition aims to demonstrate its ability to compete effectively against the ruling party. The success of the coalition’s strategy will ultimately be determined by voters on polling day.