The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has set 16 July 2026 as the date for the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election following the death of area Member of Parliament David Njuguna Kiaraho.
In a Gazette Notice, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon said the poll will fill the vacancy in the National Assembly seat representing Ol Kalou Constituency in Nyandarua County.
The by-election follows the formal declaration of the seat as vacant by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula in line with constitutional and statutory requirements.
Kiaraho, who was elected under Article 97 1 a of the Constitution, died on 29 March 2026, creating a vacancy that triggered the by-election process.
On 20 April 2026, Wetang’ula officially declared the Ol Kalou seat vacant through a Gazette notice. The declaration was made in accordance with Articles 101 4 a and 103 1 a of the Constitution alongside Section 16 3 of the Elections Act.
Following the declaration, the IEBC confirmed that the by-election will be held within the legally required timeline.
Parties begin preparations
The electoral body has directed political parties intending to participate in the by-election to submit the names of aspirants and dates of their party primaries on or before 4 May 2026.
Ethekon said each party must comply with the requirement as part of the preparations for the poll.
The directive signals the start of political activity in the constituency, with parties expected to conduct nominations before presenting candidates.
The United Democratic Alliance has already indicated it will field a candidate, with more than 10 aspirants expressing interest in securing the party ticket.
Party officials say nominations will be conducted ahead of the deadline set by the IEBC.
The Ol Kalou seat is considered politically significant in Nyandarua County and is expected to attract interest from multiple parties seeking to strengthen their presence in the region.
Analysts say by-elections often serve as a measure of political influence and public sentiment, particularly in competitive constituencies.
The gazettement of the vacancy and announcement of the by-election date mark the formal start of the electoral process, with further guidelines on campaigns and voting expected in the coming weeks.
