The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has cleared nine candidates to contest the upcoming Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election scheduled for July 16.
The clearance exercise, conducted in Ol Kalou, Nyandarua County, officially ushered in the campaign period as political parties intensify efforts to secure the seat.
DCP, UDA and Jubilee lead race
The by-election is expected to attract significant political attention, with candidates from the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Jubilee Party emerging as key contenders.
DCP candidate Sammy Kamau Ngotho was among the first aspirants to receive clearance after successfully presenting his nomination papers to IEBC officials.
Ngotho, who arrived at the commission offices accompanied by supporters, promised major reforms in the constituency if elected.
“You will no longer have to queue for bursary forms for your children. The money will be sent directly to schools,” he said after receiving his clearance certificate.
UDA candidate Samuel Muchina Nyagah was also cleared to join the race. Backed by senior leaders from the ruling party, Nyagah pledged to champion development and effective leadership for residents of Ol Kalou.
Jubilee Party is seeking to retain the parliamentary seat previously held by former MP David Kiaraho, who was elected on a Jubilee ticket during the 2022 General Election.
Candidate arrives on donkey
The clearance process also drew attention after People’s Renaissance Movement candidate Timothy Kamau arrived at the IEBC offices riding a donkey.
The dramatic entrance attracted crowds of supporters and onlookers, with Kamau using the moment to position himself as a symbol of political change within the constituency.
Other candidates cleared
Other candidates approved by the commission include Edwin Muchiri of PNU, Stephen Wanyoike of the National Liberal Party (NLP), independent candidate Rachael Njoroge, Edward Mwaniki of the Kenya Moja Movement and Abdifatah Hussein of the Federal Party of Kenya.
Campaigns officially begin
The clearance now sets the stage for weeks of intense campaigns ahead of the July 16 mini-poll.
Political analysts expect the contest to be closely watched, particularly as UDA and DCP seek to demonstrate their influence in the Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Candidates who spoke after clearance pledged to conduct peaceful campaigns as competition for the seat gathers momentum across Nyandarua County.
