UDA leaders have intensified campaigns for the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, urging voters to back the ruling party’s candidate and retain the constituency’s link to government.
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru on Saturday told residents that electing UDA candidate Samuel Muchina would guarantee continuity in development projects and ensure the constituency benefits from government programmes.
“You voted for this government. You cannot leave to go and look for another government in the opposition. You must remain in government and claim your rightful share,” Waiguru said.
Speaking during campaign rallies at Kaibaga and Mirangine, Waiguru said it would be a mistake for voters to abandon the Kenya Kwanza administration by electing an opposition candidate in the July 16 by-election.
The governor, who was campaigning in the constituency for the second time, said residents had already experienced the benefits of having leaders who work closely with the national government.
She expressed confidence that Muchina would win the seat and continue the development agenda initiated by the late MP David Kiaraho.
“We are convinced that electing Muchina will open a new path for development and help complete the work started by Kiaraho,” she said.
Waiguru noted that some parts of the constituency still face challenges, including poor road networks, inadequate electricity connectivity and lack of reliable water supply.
She said the area requires a leader who understands government systems and can effectively lobby for projects and resources.
The governor also dismissed opposition claims that the government was using ongoing development projects to influence voters ahead of the by-election.
The governor said residents have a right to benefit from government programmes because they voted for the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Ol Kalou residents during a rally organised by UDA leaders on June 9, 2026/ ALICE WAITHERA“The essence of electing leaders is to bring development. Kirinyaga has made significant strides in healthcare, roads, clean water supply and electricity connectivity because we have worked closely with government. We must put the interests of our people first,” she said.
Nyandarua Woman Representative Faith Gitau said residents were focused on development issues and were not interested in political confrontations.
“The people of Ol Kalou want roads to transport their farm produce, bursaries for their children, good hospitals to end their long and tiresome journeys for referrals in neighbouring counties, and electricity to light up their homes and spur economic growth,” she said.
She said Muchina was best placed to succeed Kiaraho because he had served as the late MP’s assistant for 13 years and understood the constituency’s needs.
Several Kenya Kwanza leaders accompanied Muchina during the campaigns, including Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga, Bahati MP Irene Njoki, Kirinyaga Central MP Gachoki Gitari, Kiambu Woman Representative Ann Wamuratha and Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria.
The leaders urged voters not to mix the by-election with national politics ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“The issues of 2027 will be discussed when elections are called. For now, these mini-elections are about the people and the future of Ol Kalou. Let us separate the two so that residents are not disadvantaged,” Njoki said.
Muchina asked voters to give him an opportunity to complete projects started by Kiaraho before the next General Election.
He said his 13-year working relationship with the MP had equipped him with a deep understanding of the constituency’s priorities and ongoing programmes.
The UDA candidate pledged to prioritise electricity connectivity, road rehabilitation and bursary programmes to support learners in day schools if elected.
