UDA Accepts Ol Kalou Defeat, Says By-Election Signals Kenya’s Evolving Political Landscape
By Editorial Team
NAIROBI, Kenya — The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has accepted defeat in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, saying the outcome reflects Kenya’s evolving political landscape while reaffirming its commitment to remain a national party that will field candidates across every region in the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a press briefing on Friday, UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar Hassan thanked party supporters, campaign managers and leaders who spearheaded the party’s campaign, describing their efforts as courageous and unwavering despite the loss. He singled out National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, digital strategist Dennis Itumbi, former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria and other party officials for what he termed a spirited campaign that demonstrated UDA’s determination to compete in every corner of the country.
Hassan said the party remains focused on expanding its national footprint and will not retreat from any region because of a single electoral setback. He maintained that UDA’s vision is to remain a truly national political movement and promised that the party would present candidates in every elective position during the next General Election.
“We will participate in every election. UDA will field a candidate in every part of this country during the coming General Election,” Hassan said.
Even as he conceded defeat, Hassan praised the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for overseeing what he described as a credible and transparent electoral process. He said the commission demonstrated professionalism by allowing the will of the voters to prevail despite criticism and political pressure directed at it before and during the by-election.
He argued that the credibility of the electoral commission should not be judged based on whether a political party wins or loses. Hassan noted that the same IEBC had declared UDA victorious in previous by-elections while the party had also accepted defeats in other constituencies, including Magarini, Kasipul and Ugunja, where rival candidates emerged victorious. According to him, the Ol Kalou outcome further affirmed the commission’s independence.
The UDA Secretary General said the by-election illustrates how political loyalties are shifting across the country, with traditional strongholds becoming increasingly competitive while regions previously considered difficult for certain parties are now emerging as viable political battlegrounds.
“Former strongholds have become battlegrounds, while former battlegrounds have become strongholds. That is the reality of politics,” he said.
Hassan expressed confidence that President William Ruto remains firmly on course for re-election in 2027, arguing that the Kenya Kwanza administration continues to enjoy broad national support because of its development agenda. He said the President has honoured commitments made to Kenyans by implementing projects across the country, including in the Mount Kenya region, which played a significant role in his 2022 electoral victory.
Responding to questions on the resources invested in the Ol Kalou campaign, Hassan defended UDA’s strategy, saying it was both legitimate and necessary for the ruling party to invest heavily in elections. He noted that the President had also reciprocated the region’s political support through appointments to senior government positions, including Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, chairpersons of state corporations and chief executive officers.
However, he insisted that the government’s development agenda extends beyond political considerations, stressing that all Kenyans deserve equal access to government services regardless of how they vote. He said the Kenya Kwanza administration remains committed to inclusive governance and will continue investing in roads, bridges, water and energy projects across the country, particularly in areas that had historically been left behind.
“The President has made it clear that we do not serve only those who voted for us. We serve all Kenyans fairly under the oath of office to govern with fairness, equity and justice,” Hassan said.
At the same time, Hassan criticised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of consistently attacking independent institutions, including the IEBC and security agencies, in ways that could undermine public confidence in constitutional bodies. He alleged that such remarks were intended to create political tension and cast doubt on electoral outcomes before votes are counted.
Despite the intense political contest, Hassan welcomed the peaceful conduct of the by-election and commended the National Police Service for maintaining law and order throughout the exercise. He specifically praised Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo for ensuring security during the election period.
Looking ahead, Hassan said UDA would draw valuable lessons from the Ol Kalou contest as it intensifies preparations for the 2027 General Election. He urged party members to remain united, resilient and focused, saying one electoral loss would not diminish the party’s resolve to strengthen its support across the country.
He also congratulated the people of Ol Kalou for exercising their democratic right to elect a leader of their choice, saying UDA respects the verdict delivered by voters and remains committed to the democratic process.
“The people of Ol Kalou have spoken, and we fully respect their democratic decision. Elections are contests that come to an end, but the nation must move forward together as one united and indivisible country,” Hassan said.
