UDA Concedes Ol Kalou By-Election, Reaffirms National Inclusivity and Addresses Institutional Roles

NAIROBI: On July 17, 2026, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) officially addressed the outcome of the heavily contested Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election. In an authoritative briefing, the party leadership extended formal congratulations to the victorious candidate, Mr. Kasami Douglas Kameru, while praising the UDA candidate, Samuel Mushyaga, for executing a brave and resilient campaign in a highly competitive political environment.

The party utilized the briefing to outline its national alignment strategy, reinforce its commitment to public infrastructure, and address critical developments regarding the electoral commission, regional appointments, and the media.

Electoral Footprint and Regional Viability

The UDA leadership contextualized the Ol Kalou outcome within the shifting architecture of national politics, noting that while conventional strongholds are evolving into active battlegrounds, the party remains fiercely competitive. To highlight the collapse of traditional rival setups, the party cited the performance of the Jubilee Party, which managed only 194 votes across 144 polling stations, translating to an average of 1.44 votes per station in a seat it previously held.

The leadership strongly rejected any strategy centered on tribal zoning or regional exclusion, contrasting its competitors with UDA’s nationwide participation model.

The party expressed gratitude to its frontline campaign leadership and partners, explicitly commending National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah, Dennis Itumbi, and former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria for demonstrating extraordinary resilience and commitment throughout the local contest. The party reaffirmed its intention to field candidates in every corner of the country in the next general elections scheduled for August 2027.

Institutional Commendations and Critique of Political Detractors

The UDA issued a strong endorsement of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), praising the body for demonstrating candor, resisting political interference, and ensuring that the popular will of the electorate prevailed. The party contrasted the commission's integrity with the actions of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, whom the leadership criticized as an insecure political figure attempting to vilify state organs.

The party accused the former official of systematic attacks on security forces and public institutions, as well as engaging in toxic ethnic profiling against various communities—including past profiling of the Luo community and current rhetoric directed at the Kalenjin community. The leadership extended public solidarity to state officials under political vitriol, encouraging leaders such as Kipchumba Murkomen and Raymond Moi to remain steadfast.

Concurrently, the party commended national security agencies, under the direction of the Inspector General of Police, for ensuring a peaceful and secure voting exercise.

Position on Media Freedom and Accountable Journalism

Addressing questions regarding the political environment and interactions with the press, the UDA leadership directly responded to reports concerning an incident the previous day involving the confiscation of cameras and injuries to journalists from the Nation Media Group and Radio Africa Group.

The leadership stated firmly that attacks on the media are entirely unfortunate and asserted that no entity should stifle a free press. However, the party drew a sharp line between independent journalism and what it characterized as rogue media practices. The leadership expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Standard Group and KTN, labeling the outlet an unprofessional organization that utilizes the veil of media freedom to settle personal scores and publish inconsistent headlines.

The party emphasized that while it respects the media as the fourth estate, media houses must remain objective, follow the truth, and expect their factual assertions to be interrogated by the public.

Commitment to Regional Investment and Equity

Reaffirming the core governance principles of fairness, equity, and justice, the UDA defended its extensive administrative and developmental footprint in the Mount Kenya region. The leadership detailed substantial state appointments made in reciprocity to the region's support in the 2022 election, noting that the administration has assigned:

• Cabinet Representation: Between 9 and 10 Cabinet Secretaries chosen from the region.

• Public Service Executives: Approximately 17 or 18 of the nation's 51 Principal Secretaries.

• State Corporations: The bulk of Chairs and Chief Executive Officers across state corporations and departments.

The party emphasized that while the architecture of future political partnerships could change by 2027 based on regional alignments, the current government will never marginalize any area based on voting patterns. The leadership highlighted massive, ongoing investments in roads, transport infrastructure, bridges, energy networks, and water projects, noting that these initiatives are currently reaching long-underserved areas for the first time since 1963.