Voting begins in Ol Kalou by-election as UDA, DCP face off in Mt Kenya test - July 2026

Voting is underway in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, a high-stakes contest seen as the first major political test in the Mt. Kenya region since former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's split with President William Ruto. The election features a sharp contest between the UDA and DCP to fill the seat left vacant by the death of MP David Kiaraho in March. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) reported a smooth by-election process with over 50% voter turnout by close of voting, urging for continued peace during vote counting. However, the electoral process was disrupted when unidentified masked gunmen in multiple Toyota Land Cruisers assaulted journalists and dispersed residents with teargas. Nation Media Group condemned the violent attack on its journalists covering the by-election, calling it an assault on press freedom. At Ol Kalou Comprehensive School Polling Centre, a brief standoff occurred when residents blocked police vehicles during the by-election. Nyandarua Senator John Methu urged the Central Regional Commissioner to ensure only identifiable police officers are deployed, specifically warning against hooded police at polling stations.