The Ol Kalou by-election is shaping up to be a critical indicator of political power in Mt Kenya, with significant implications for President Ruto's UDA party and Rigathi Gachagua's emerging DCP. The outcome is seen as setting the tone for the 2027 general election.

• 9 candidates were cleared by the IEBC to contest the seat.
• The by-election is viewed as a symbolic battleground for the ascendance of DCP in Mt Kenya, where UDA was politically born.
• Politicians from both sides have expressed confidence in winning, with DCP politicians aiming to "bury UDA in Mt Kenya" and UDA framing the contest as one between rhetoric and development.