The Democracy for the Citizens Party has opened applications for its party ticket ahead of the Ol Kalou Constituency by-election, marking the start of what is expected to be a closely watched political contest in Nyandarua County.
In a statement issued on Sunday, 26 April 2026, National Elections Board Chairperson Wanjiru Kago said the exercise is open to qualified and interested members seeking to vie under the party banner in the upcoming poll.
“The Democracy for the Citizens Party National Elections Board hereby invites qualified and interested candidates to apply for the party ticket in the upcoming Ol Kalou Constituency by-election scheduled for 16 July 2026,” she said.
The party has set nomination fees at KSh250,000 for general applicants, while youth and persons with disabilities will pay a reduced fee of KSh125,000. The fees are non-refundable.
Aspirants have been directed to make payments through the party Equity Bank paybill number 247247 using account number 254829 under the account name Democracy for the Citizens Party.
Application forms will be available at the party headquarters, and all interested candidates must complete and submit the official forms alongside the required supporting documents. Proof of payment of the nomination fee is mandatory for all applicants.
DCP party has set a strict deadline, requiring all applications to be submitted on or before 2 May 2026, tightening timelines for those seeking to enter the race.
IEBC outlines by-election roadmap and campaign timelines
The announcement by the party comes as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission formally set the stage for the by-election. According to a gazette notice dated Friday, 24 April 2026, the Ol Kalou Constituency by-election will be held on Thursday, 16 July 2026.
The decision follows the official declaration of a vacancy in the parliamentary seat by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetang’ula.
“Following the declaration of vacancies that occurred in the offices of Member of National Assembly, Ol Kalou Constituency, Nyandarua County, issued by the Speaker, there shall be a By-Election on Thursday, 16 July 2026,” the notice read in part.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon also directed political parties intending to participate in the by-election to submit the names of candidates contesting in party primaries, as well as the dates of those primaries, by 4 May 2026.
“Each political party intending to participate in the byelections shall submit the names of the persons contesting in a party primary and the date of the party primary on or before Monday, 4 May 2026,” he said.
The commission further announced that the official campaign period will begin on Monday, 25 May 2026, and run until Monday, 13 July 2026, just days before voters head to the polls.
Campaign activities will be restricted to between 7.00am and 6.00pm each day, in line with electoral regulations aimed at ensuring order and fairness throughout the campaign period.
The Ol Kalou by-election is expected to draw significant attention from major political parties, with the seat seen as strategically important in shaping regional political dynamics in Nyandarua County.
The party early move to open applications signals an attempt to organise its internal processes ahead of competitors, while also giving aspirants sufficient time to prepare for party primaries and the broader campaign.
With timelines now clearly defined and political parties mobilising, the race for Ol Kalou is officially underway, setting the stage for a high stakes contest in the weeks ahead.
