By Dorish Moraa, July 16, 2026
Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala has expressed confidence that the party’s candidate, Kamau Ngotho, will emerge victorious in the Ol Kalou Constituency parliamentary by-election, describing the poll as a defining political contest ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking at a press conference outside a polling centre on Thursday morning, Malala said the people of Ol Kalou were determined to exercise their democratic right despite what he termed as attempts to intimidate voters through heightened security deployment.
“We are confident that the people of Ol Kalou will make their voices heard. The will of the people cannot be suppressed, and we expect our candidate, Kamau Ngotho, to secure victory,” Malala said.
The DCP deputy leader criticized what he described as an excessive deployment of security personnel across the constituency, alleging that the heavy police presence was intended to create fear among voters.
He, however, commended residents for turning out to vote peacefully despite the security arrangements.
“I want to congratulate the people of Ol Kalou for refusing to be intimidated. They have demonstrated courage by coming out in large numbers to participate in this important democratic exercise,” he said.
Malala also raised concerns over alleged security incidents reported on the eve of the election, claiming that unidentified vehicles had been spotted in parts of the constituency and that one village had allegedly been attacked in an attempt to disrupt the voting process.
He urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and security agencies to ensure a free, fair and transparent election while calling on party agents to remain vigilant throughout the voting and tallying process.
“We are asking our agents and supporters to remain alert and protect every vote. The integrity of this election must be safeguarded from the opening of polling stations to the final declaration of results,” he added.
The Ol Kalou parliamentary seat fell vacant following the death of long-serving Member of Parliament David Njuguna Kiaraho on March 29, 2026, prompting the by-election that has attracted significant national political attention.
Nine candidates are contesting the seat, although political observers have largely viewed the race as a three-way contest between DCP’s Kamau Ngotho, United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Samuel Muchina Nyagah and Jubilee Party candidate Wilson Kigwa.
More than 1,000 police officers, including General Service Unit (GSU) and Anti-Stock Theft Unit personnel, have been deployed across the constituency to maintain security during the exercise.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja previously assured residents that adequate security measures had been put in place to guarantee peaceful voting and protect election materials and personnel.
Voting is taking place across 144 polling stations in the constituency and is scheduled to close at 5:00 p.m. The IEBC has reiterated that all voters who will be in the queue by the official closing time will be allowed to cast their ballots.
Political analysts say the outcome of the Ol Kalou by-election is expected to serve as an important indicator of shifting political alliances and voter sentiment ahead of the 2027 General Election.
