Kenya Deploys 1,000 Police for Tense Ol Kalou By-Election

The National Police Service deployed more than 1,000 officers, including tactical units and water cannons, to secure the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election on July 16, 2026. The vote, triggered by the death of MP David Kiaraho, serves as a political litmus test for the Mt. Kenya region following a rift between President William Ruto and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

The contest is primarily a battle between the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), supporting Samuel Muchina Nyaga, and Gachagua's Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), backing Sammy Kamau Ngotho. Tensions escalated as Rigathi Gachagua accused the government of suppressing voters by offering subsidized LPG cylinders and mattresses in exchange for identity cards, a claim denied by former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria.

During the polls, UDA candidate Samuel Muchina Nyaga alleged voter bribery at polling stations and reported that a campaign vehicle had been torched in Mugumo. Conversely, DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala claimed unmarked vehicles were interfering with the process. While security officials described the voting as peaceful, some polling stations experienced delays due to biometric verification failures using KIEMS kits. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission managed the process for 73,480 registered voters, banning mobile phones in voting booths to maintain secrecy.