The United Opposition coalition has unveiled a new strategy ahead of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election set for July 16, announcing that it will field a single candidate in the race.
In a statement shared on Wednesday, June 3, by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, the coalition said the decision is intended to unify its support base and enhance its competitiveness against the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate and other rivals.
The coalition said its member parties had agreed to back one aspirant rather than present multiple contenders for the seat.
“Following extensive consultations among coalition partners, we have reached a principled agreement to support a single candidate under the United Alternative Government banner,” the statement read in part.
According to coalition leaders, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, the flag bearer will be chosen through an independent survey and opinion polling process designed to identify the most viable candidate.
“The candidate will be identified through an independent scientific survey and credible opinion polling to determine the aspirant best placed to secure victory and advance the interests of the people of Ol Kalou,” the coalition added.
The coalition said the decision reflects its commitment to unity, democratic practice, and evidence-based selection, arguing that collective interests should take precedence over individual political ambitions.
“The forthcoming Ol Kalou Parliamentary By-election shall be, in our considered view, a direct test of our constitutional democracy and the sovereign will of the people.”
The announcement comes seven days after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) cleared nine candidates to contest the by-election, most of them from opposition-aligned parties.
Those cleared include Samuel Muchina Nyaga of UDA, Wilson Kigwa of Jubilee Party, and Sammy Kamau Ngotho of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).
Others are Edwin Kariiri Muchiri (PNU), Stephen Wanyoike (NLP), Rachael Wangui Njoroge (PDP), Edward Mathenge Mwaniki (Kenya Moja Movement), and Abdulahi Abdifatah Hussein (FPK).
The United Alternative Government coalition comprises Wiper, PNU, DCP, PLP, Jubilee, DP, among other parties. The by-election had initially attracted multiple candidates from within the coalition, all seeking the same seat.
By agreeing to rally behind a single nominee, the coalition aims to consolidate support and improve its chances of defeating the ruling UDA candidate.
