Ruto Urges Leaders to Focus on Service After UDA Loses Ol Kalou By-Election

President William Ruto has urged political leaders to focus on serving Kenyans after his United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party lost the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election to the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP).

Speaking at State House Nairobi on Friday during a meeting with grassroots representatives from Bungoma County led by Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa, the President said leadership should be judged by the results it delivers rather than political victories. He acknowledged the electorate's decision to elect DCP candidate Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru and called on leaders to prioritise improving the lives of citizens.

Ruto's remarks came less than a day after Waweru won the by-election with 35,440 votes, defeating UDA candidate Samuel Muchina Nyagah, who received 5,450 votes. The election recorded a voter turnout of 57 per cent across 144 polling stations. The victory gave DCP its first seat in the National Assembly and was widely viewed as an important political test in the Mt Kenya region.

The result has strengthened the position of allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who say it reflects his continued influence in a region that played a key role in Ruto's election victory in 2022. Gachagua, who was removed from office through impeachment in 2024, has since become a leading critic of the President and has opposed his bid for re-election in 2027.

During his address, Ruto urged leaders to reject ethnic politics and avoid actions that could divide the country. He said Kenyans should assess leaders based on their record, vision and ability to improve the country. His remarks signalled an effort to keep attention on governance and national development as political parties prepare for the next general election.

UDA leaders have also sought to minimise the significance of the Ol Kalou defeat. They note that the ruling party has won six of the ten parliamentary and senatorial by-elections held in recent months, while ODM has secured three seats and DCP has won one.

Meanwhile, ODM leader Oburu Odinga called on Gachagua to adopt a more conciliatory approach following the by-election result. Addressing supporters, Oburu questioned why the former Deputy President continued to take a confrontational position despite his allies' victory.

Oburu also said the conduct of the election should strengthen public confidence in the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). He said the commission had demonstrated independence and impartiality during the poll.

"You have already won the election and the IEBC has proved that it can conduct an election with some kind of independence and some impartiality," Oburu said. 

He urged political leaders to respect the outcome and reduce political tensions.

He added that Kenya needed unity and peace rather than continued political confrontation. 

"Unity, we need peace and we don't want our friends to be annoyed all the time," he said, before adding: "The election now is over. So Gachagua, keep your peace."