- Jubilee Party has demanded control of the upcoming Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election
- Jeremiah Kioni insists the seat must remain under Jubilee within the opposition arrangement
- Rigathi Gachagua’s DCP has already fronted Sammy Ngotho as its candidate
- Local DCP aspirants are still active, deepening tensions inside the opposition camp
- The contest follows the death of MP David Kiaraho, who left the seat vacant
A fresh political storm is brewing in Nyandarua after Jubilee Party moved to assert its claim over the Ol Kalou parliamentary seat, setting up a confrontation with rival opposition factions.
The dispute has exposed widening cracks within the so-called United Opposition, with competing parties now openly clashing over who gets the right to field a candidate in the upcoming by-election.
The seat fell vacant following the death of area MP David Kiaraho, triggering early campaigns and behind-the-scenes lobbying.
Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Jeremiah Kioni has taken a firm stance, insisting that Ol Kalou must remain under the party’s control as part of previous political arrangements within the coalition.
He has called on allied parties to show unity and respect for earlier understandings by stepping back in favour of Jubilee’s position. Kioni has further warned that the party is ready to deploy all available political resources to defend its claim in the race.
His remarks signal a tougher posture from Jubilee as competition within the opposition bloc intensifies ahead of the by-election.
Despite Jubilee’s demands, Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) has already moved forward with its own campaign structure.
The party has fronted Sammy Ngotho as its official candidate, effectively rejecting calls to relinquish the seat. Inside the ground, other aspirants linked to DCP, including Eng. Wilson Kigwa and Isaac Kinyua, are also reported to be mobilising support.
This parallel push has further complicated efforts to unify the opposition front in the region.
The disagreement over Ol Kalou has now turned into a wider test of cohesion within the United Opposition, with each faction appearing focused on strengthening its own regional influence.
What was initially expected to be a coordinated strategy has instead evolved into a competitive scramble, with no side showing willingness to back down.
Political observers say the growing friction could weaken the opposition’s grip in Mt. Kenya if the dispute is not resolved early.
With campaigns gradually taking shape, Ol Kalou is emerging as a key battleground not just for local leadership but also for broader political influence in the region.
The coming weeks are expected to determine whether the opposition camps will strike a compromise or head into a highly contested race that could reshape alliances on the ground.
