The Ol Kalou by-election in Laikipia County scheduled for July 16, 2026, has become a political contest between Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Rigathi Gachagua.
The seat became vacant following the death of MP David Kiaraho in March 2026. In the 2022 election, Kiaraho won on a Jubilee ticket with 24,058 votes against Kamau Ngotho's 19,380 votes on a UDA ticket.
Nine candidates are competing, with the main contest between Muchina Nyaga of UDA and Kamau Ngotho of DCP, who is backed by Gachagua's wing. Kindiki and Gachagua are not campaigning directly but rely on allies such as Faith Gitau and John Methu.
Analysts say the poll will test their influence in the Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 general election. Political analyst Mulila Munywoki said, “What is happening in Ol Kalou is political noise.”