The United Opposition has announced it will field a single candidate for the upcoming Ol Kalou Parliamentary By-Election, describing the mini poll as a critical test of Kenya’s constitutional democracy and the sovereign will of the people.
In a statement issued on Wednesday June 3, the opposition coalition said it had reached an agreement following extensive consultations among its principals to rally behind one candidate under the United Alternative Government banner.
“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 the United Opposition, the candidate will be identified through an independent survey and credible opinion polling to determine the aspirant best placed to secure victory against President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party.
“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 statement read.
The coalition emphasised that the decision reflects its commitment to unity, democracy, and evidence-based decision-making, adding that the national interest must always take precedence over individual political ambitions.
“We call upon the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), security agencies, and all political actors to ensure a peaceful, free, fair, and transparent election,” the statement added.
The opposition also issued a strong warning against electoral malpractices, specifically condemning voter bribery, the misuse of public resources, intimidation of voters, and the deployment of State machinery to influence the outcome.
The announcement comes exactly seven days after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) cleared nine candidates to vie for the Ol-Kalou by-election.
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 include Edwin Kariiri Muchiri (PNU), Stephen Wanyoike (NLP), Rachael Wangui Njoroge (PDP), Edward Mathenge Mwaniki (Kenya Moja Movement), and Abdulahi Abdifatah Hussein (FPK).
