NAIROBI, Kenya — Senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi has said the outcome of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election should serve as a political wake-up call for President William Ruto, arguing that the result highlights the need for a fresh electoral strategy ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In a statement posted on X, Ahmednasir said the by-election result laid out what he described as a “plain and transparent truth” about the political landscape facing the President.
“Yesterday’s vote in Ol Kalou doesn’t sugarcoat for President William Ruto the plain and transparent truth on the torturous road to 2027.”
Suggests Two Political Paths
Ahmednasir argued that President Ruto now faces two distinct political options.
According to the lawyer, one option would be to continue relying on advice from some political leaders in the Mt. Kenya region while maintaining confidence in Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki as a key pillar of the President’s electoral strategy.
“Continue listening to the effusive and praiseful lullabies by Kiambu politicians… stick with Prof. Kithure Kindiki and believe their false narrative that he will get 40pc of the Mt. Kenya vote and know that a humiliating defeat is certain.”
The remarks reflect Ahmednasir’s political opinion and assessment.
Calls for Broader Coalition
Ahmednasir said the alternative would be for President Ruto to broaden his political coalition by selecting a running mate from either the Luo or Luhya communities.
He indicated a preference for a candidate from the Luhya community.
“Or act the political fox you always have been, pick a Luo or a Luhya running mate (preferably the latter) and hit the road running.”
He concluded by saying the President should take the Ol Kalou result seriously.
“The choices are clear. And President Ruto must smell the coffee… by force.”
The Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election has generated widespread reactions from political leaders, analysts and commentators, many of whom have offered differing interpretations of what the result could mean for political alignments ahead of the 2027 General Election.