Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has claimed that the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) spent approximately KSh100 million during the recently concluded Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, describing the expenditure as part of the party’s determined campaign to retain the seat despite eventually losing to the opposition.

Speaking days after the July 16 by-election, Ruku said the ruling party had invested heavily in mobilization efforts, campaign logistics and voter outreach. He maintained that despite the defeat, the resources used demonstrated UDA’s commitment to the contest.

“All the goodies distributed in Ol Kalou during the just-concluded by-election cost roughly KSh100 million,” Ruku said.

The by-election was won by Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru, who garnered 35,440 votes, defeating UDA’s Samuel Muchina Nyagah, who received 5,450 votes, according to results announced by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). The seat fell vacant following the death of former MP David Njuguna Kiaraho.

Despite the heavy defeat, Ruku downplayed the political significance of the outcome, insisting that the result would not weaken President William Ruto’s support base in the Mt Kenya East region.

“We are not worried about the results of the Ol Kalou by-election. Mt Kenya West can do whatever they wish, but as Mt Kenya East, we have already made our decision. We will remain in government and continue supporting President William Ruto and his Deputy, Prof. Kithure Kindiki, for a second term,” Ruku said.

The Ol Kalou contest attracted national attention, with both UDA and DCP treating it as a key political test ahead of the 2027 General Election. Senior leaders from both camps held numerous rallies across the constituency, turning the race into one of the country’s most closely watched by-elections.