Campaigning for the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election has officially come to an end, with United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Samuel Muchina urging residents to turn out in large numbers and support his bid when they head to the polls on Thursday, July 16.
In his final message to voters after the expiry of the official campaign period, Muchina thanked residents for the support they had shown throughout the campaign, saying the future of the constituency now lies in the hands of the electorate.
He said his campaign had been built around promises of accountable leadership, unity and accelerated development, expressing confidence that voters would back his vision at the ballot.
“My heart is filled with gratitude. Thank you, the people of Ol Kalou, for believing in our message of servant leadership, unity and meaningful development,” Muchina said.
He added that Thursday’s vote presents an opportunity for residents to elect leaders committed to delivering results from the first day in office.
Campaign period officially closes
Muchina’s remarks came after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) enforced the mandatory 48-hour campaign silence period, bringing all public campaigns to an end ahead of polling day.
The commission prohibits candidates and political parties from conducting campaign activities during this period to allow voters time to make independent decisions before casting their ballots.
Attention has now shifted from political rallies to election preparations, voter turnout and security arrangements ahead of Thursday’s vote.
High-stakes contest attracts national attention
The Ol Kalou by-election has become one of Kenya’s most closely watched political contests, with analysts viewing it as an early indicator of the political mood in the Mt. Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election.
UDA is seeking to retain the parliamentary seat through Muchina, while the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) has fielded Sammy Kamau Ngotho, whose candidature has received backing from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The contest has evolved beyond a constituency race into a symbolic political battle, with both camps portraying the outcome as a measure of their influence in the region.
Both candidates express confidence
Before the campaign period closed, DCP candidate Sammy Kamau Ngotho also expressed confidence that voters had already made their decision.
He maintained that residents were ready for a new political direction and urged supporters to remain peaceful as they await polling day.
Senior DCP leaders, including Nyandarua Senator John Methu, echoed the message, expressing optimism that the party would emerge victorious while calling for a peaceful electoral process.
IEBC urges voters to prepare
With campaigns now over, the IEBC has shifted its focus to election logistics and voter awareness.
The commission has reminded the constituency’s 73,480 registered voters to report to their designated polling stations carrying either an original national identity card or a valid Kenyan passport.
Voting will take place across 144 polling stations located in Rurii, Kanjuiri Ridge, Karau, Kaimbaga and Mirangine wards.
The electoral commission has also urged voters, candidates and stakeholders to rely only on its official communication platforms for election updates and information as the constituency prepares to elect its next Member of Parliament.
