The battle for Ol Kalou is turning into a political duel between President William Ruto’s UDA party and Rigathi Gachagua’s DCP outfit, with former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria emerging as the man tasked with stopping Gachagua’s growing influence in the Mount Kenya region.
Kuria has been handed control of UDA’s campaign machinery in the by-election triggered by the death of MP David Kiaraho on March 29. Although Jubilee is also fielding a candidate, attention has shifted to the fierce rivalry between Kuria and Gachagua, whose fallout has reshaped regional politics since Gachagua’s impeachment in 2024.
The contest also carries a personal angle. Kuria has previously accused Gachagua of orchestrating the removal of Mount Kenya Cabinet Secretaries from President Ruto’s administration before the former deputy president himself fell out with the government. Their strained relationship is now spilling into the Ol Kalou race, which many see as a fight for political supremacy in the region rather than a routine parliamentary by-election.
UDA has settled on Samuel Muchina, Kiaraho’s former personal assistant, as its candidate. Kuria defended the choice, saying: “The people have sent a message that this is about issues and about Ol Kalou. It’s a big statement for those who think that this will be about emotions and sloganeering.”
- Gachagua impeachment was a parliamentary coup, court told
- MPs condemn Gachagua over funeral remarks, warn against incitement
- Parliament lawyers defend legality of Gachagua impeachment
The former CS is banking on development promises and government influence to neutralise Gachagua’s message of betrayal and neglect. Kuria has pledged major projects, including a railway line linking Gilgil and Nyahururu, a university, housing units and a hospital.
“These are not overnight projects,” he said. “It is affirmation that work is ongoing and has been ongoing while others dwelt on emotions and have actually nothing to show.”
Kuria is also leaning on his experience from the 2021 Juja by-election, where he successfully backed a candidate against the then ruling Jubilee Party. He believes the same grassroots tactics can blunt DCP’s momentum in Ol Kalou.
However, Gachagua appears determined to turn the constituency into a referendum on Ruto’s relationship with Mount Kenya. His DCP party picked Samuel Kamau Ngotho after what he described as credible nominations.
“I’m very happy with what happened in Ol Kalou,” Gachagua said. “Ol Kalou was a litmus test.”
“Once the DCP nominations are over, the DCP candidate is the next MP,” he added.
Meanwhile, Jubilee has entered the race with candidate Wilson Kigwa, with deputy party leader Jeremiah Kioni calling for opposition unity behind the party.
Still, the political spotlight remains firmly on the looming showdown between Kuria and Gachagua.
With dairy farmers grappling with rising fuel and transport costs, the by-election is shaping into a test of whether Mount Kenya voters will side with government-backed development promises or rally behind Gachagua’s message of political betrayal.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@nairobilawmonthly.com, and to advertise with us, call +254715061658 anytime of the day
