NYANDARUA, Kenya — The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has cleared nine candidates to contest the Ol-Kalou parliamentary seat, officially kicking off campaigns for the upcoming by-election.
The clearance process, which concluded on Tuesday, was conducted at the PCEA Church in Ol-Kalou and was described by election officials as calm, orderly, and smooth.
IEBC Clears Nine Aspirants
According to Returning Officer Muhia Njiraini, four candidates were cleared on Monday, while the remaining aspirants received approval on Tuesday.
He confirmed that all candidates are now free to begin campaigning until July 13, when the official campaign period will close.
New Faces Enter Political Contest
The race has attracted several first-time contenders, including youthful and lesser-known aspirants seeking to succeed the late MP David Kiaraho.
Among them is People’s Renaissance Movement candidate Timothy Kariuki, who drew attention after arriving for clearance on a donkey in protest against high fuel costs.
“I’m happy to be the first Gen-Z to vie for a seat in the country, since we demonstrated all over,” Kariuki said.
“I arrived on a donkey because fuel has become very expensive; for a farmer like me, I could not afford it,” he added.
Major Party Candidates in the Race
The contest also features candidates backed by major political parties.
The United Democratic Alliance candidate, Samuel Muchina, was accompanied by a group of MPs during his clearance, while the Jubilee Party candidate Wilson Kigwa was escorted by senior party officials, including Deputy Party Leader Jeremiah Kioni.
Rachel Wangui Njoroge is the sole female candidate in the race, vying on a People’s Democratic Party ticket.
Other aspirants include representatives from the Federal Party of Kenya, National Liberal Party, PNU, and independent political movements.
Constituency Seeks New Representation
The Ol-Kalou seat fell vacant following the death of MP David Kiaraho, who served the constituency for three terms under the Jubilee Party before his passing in March.
Several candidates said they are seeking to continue his legacy by focusing on development priorities such as roads, schools, electricity, and support for farmers.
Campaign Period Now Underway
With clearance completed, attention now shifts to campaign activities across the Ol-Kalou constituency as candidates seek to win voter support ahead of the July 13 deadline.
The IEBC said the process will remain closely monitored to ensure compliance with electoral regulations and peaceful conduct throughout the campaign period.
