By MKT Correspondents
The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) has invited applications from aspirants seeking to contest under its ticket in the upcoming Ol-Kalou Constituency by-election scheduled for July 16, 2026.
The by-election was occasioned by the death of area MP David Kiaraho, who passed away last month after illness.
In a notice published yesterday, the party’s National Elections Board, chaired by Wanjiru Kago, called on qualified and interested candidates to submit their applications on or before Saturday.
According to the notice, aspirants will pay a non-refundable nomination fee of KSh250,000, while youth and persons with disabilities (PWDs) will pay a subsidized fee of KSh125,000. Payments are to be made through Equity Bank via the party’s designated paybill number, with application forms available at the party headquarters in Nairobi.
“All interested aspirants must complete and submit the official application form, attach all required supporting documents, and provide proof of payment of the prescribed nomination fee,” the notice stated.
The Ol Kalou contest is already attracting interest from major political players, with parties such as the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Jubilee Party, which the late MP belonged to, expected to field candidates in what is shaping up to be a competitive race.
Political analysts say the by-election will serve as a key test of DCP party strength and voter sentiment in the Mt. Kenya region ahead of the next general election. For relatively new parties like DCP, the contest presents an opportunity to expand their political footprint and challenge established parties on the ground.
Meanwhile, the Jubilee Party has issued a strong statement signalling both its intention to field a candidate and its push for a unified opposition front in the race.
In a statement released last week and signed by Secretary General Hon. Moitalel Ole Kenta, the party said it would field a candidate in the by-election in line with the fact that the seat was previously held by one of its members.
The party further assured members and residents of Ol Kalou of “free, fair and transparent nominations” that reflect democratic values and the will of the people.
However, Jubilee also used the statement to call on its coalition partners to rally behind a single opposition candidate under its banner, arguing that unity was necessary to present a credible alternative government.
“In the spirit of building a credible, united, and formidable alternative government, and in response to the growing call by Kenyans for opposition unity, Jubilee Party respectfully urges our coalition partners to support the fielding of a single opposition candidate under the Jubilee Party banner,” the statement read.
The party said Kenyans were increasingly demanding cooperation among opposition leaders, warning against fragmentation and urging strategic collaboration ahead of the by-election.
Jubilee further pointed to past electoral arrangements where it had stepped aside in favour of joint opposition candidates, including in Mbeere North and Emurua Dikirr, saying such decisions were part of a deliberate strategy to strengthen opposition unity.
Despite its call for unity, the party clarified that it would still field candidates in all elective positions nationwide, including MCAs and the presidency in the 2027 General Election.
The Ol Kalou by-election is now expected to draw heightened political competition as parties begin internal nominations and coalition negotiations ahead of the July vote.