What You Need to Know
The National Assembly has declared the Ol Kalou constituency seat vacant after the death of MP David Njuguna Kiaraho. Speaker Moses Wetang’ula announced the vacancy in the Kenya Gazette, initiating the process for a by-election. Political parties are already positioning themselves for the upcoming contest, which is expected to attract significant interest in Nyandarua County.
Africa-Press – Kenya. The National Assembly has formally declared the Ol Kalou constituency seat vacant following the death of area MP David Njuguna Kiaraho.
In a special issue of the Kenya Gazette published on April 20, 2026, Speaker Moses Wetang’ula notified the public of the vacancy in accordance with the Constitution and the Elections Act.
“Pursuant to the provisions of Articles 101 (4) (a) and 103 (1) (a) of the Constitution and section 16 (3) of the Elections Act, it is notified for general information of the public that the seat of the Member of the National Assembly for Ol Kalou constituency… has become vacant as a result of the death of Hon. David Njuguna Kiaraho on the 29th of March, 2026,” the notice reads.
Kiaraho, who was elected to represent Ol Kalou constituency under Article 97 (1) (a) of the Constitution, died on March 29.
The declaration of the vacancy paves the way for the electoral process to fill the seat, with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission expected to announce a by-election date.
Under the law, a by-election is required to be held within 90 days of the occurrence of a vacancy in the National Assembly.
The gazette notice marks the official start of the process, triggering preparations by both the electoral body and political parties interested in fielding candidates.
Political parties have already begun positioning themselves ahead of the anticipated by-election, which is expected to attract significant interest in Nyandarua County.
The United Democratic Alliance has indicated it will sponsor a candidate, with more than 10 aspirants expressing interest in the party ticket. Party officials have said nominations will be conducted at a later date.
The Ol Kalou seat is considered politically significant in the county, and the upcoming contest is likely to draw competition from multiple parties seeking to strengthen their presence in the region.
The by-election will be closely watched as a test of party strength and voter sentiment following Kiaraho’s death.
Meanwhile, Gachagua’s camp is looking at the contest as a real opportunity to secure the DCP seat in Parliament.
Sources have hinted that the united opposition is working together to field a single candidate in a bid to consolidate votes and challenge both UDA and Jubilee dominance.
Gachagua’s team is banking on Senator John Methu, Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia, and former CS Sicily Kariuki to deliver the seat.
Jubilee is relying on its deputy party leader Jeremiah Kioni and former Governor Francis Kimemia while UDA is expected to lean on regional heavyweights including Governor Kiarie Badilisha, Women Rep Faith Gitau and CS Rebecca Miano among others.
Further details on the electoral timeline, including voter registration updates and campaign periods, are expected once the electoral commission issues a formal notice.
The Ol Kalou constituency has been a significant political area in Nyandarua County, with various parties vying for influence. The recent death of MP David Njuguna Kiaraho has opened the door for a by-election, a process mandated by law to occur within 90 days of a vacancy in the National Assembly. This situation often leads to intense political maneuvering as parties seek to secure their foothold in the region, especially in the wake of a prominent leader’s passing. The upcoming by-election will serve as a crucial indicator of party strength and voter sentiment in the area.
