Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has said the outcome of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election has weakened Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s political standing in the Mt Kenya region.
Speaking during an interview with a local radio station on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, Kang’ata argued that Kindiki must first demonstrate strong support within Mt Kenya before presenting himself as the region’s representative in national political negotiations.
“Definitely, the outcome of the Ol Kalou by-election has shaken the position of DP Kithure Kindiki in the Mt Kenya region,” Kang’ata said.
The governor maintained that political influence at the national level must be anchored on an identifiable grassroots base.
“The politics, how they are framed, is that you first dance local before you dance abroad,” Kang’ata stated.
“You must first demonstrate local support before coming to the negotiating table.”
Kang’ata’s remarks followed the heavy defeat of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate in the Ol Kalou by-election.
The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidate, Sammy Kamau Ngotho, won the contest with 35,440 votes, while UDA candidate Samuel Muchina Nyagah received 5,450 votes. The final margin was 29,990 votes.
The Ol Kalou contest had been widely viewed as a political showdown between Kindiki and his predecessor, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Ahead of the by-election, Kindiki had publicly expressed confidence that the poll would demonstrate who commanded greater support in the Mt Kenya region.
“The election is coming in Nyandarua. I am waiting for us to meet with this man,” Kindiki said in April.
