Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced that parties allied under the opposition coalition will each be allowed to nominate candidates in the forthcoming Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, dismissing calls for a joint ticket.
Speaking during an interview with MO Radio and Kaya FM, Gachagua, who leads the Democracy for Citizens Party, said the coalition had agreed to open the race to all its affiliate parties after assessing the political landscape and concluding that the ruling United Democratic Alliance poses little challenge in the contest.
“We have no opposition in Ol Kalou. The UDA is finished, and that is why we have decided that each constituent party within the United Opposition will field a candidate and compete among ourselves. It will be friendly fire; UDA is not a threat in any way,” Gachagua said.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
His remarks are likely to stir fresh debate within opposition ranks, particularly amid a growing disagreement over which party should carry the coalition’s flag in the mini-poll.
The Jubilee Party has maintained that it has the strongest claim to the seat, arguing that the late area MP, David Kiaraho, was elected under its banner.
In a statement signed by Secretary General Moitalel Ole Kenta, the party insisted it should be given priority in naming a candidate to defend the seat.
However, Gachagua’s latest declaration suggests coalition partners may instead face off at the ballot, with each party seeking to test its popularity on the ground while remaining politically aligned.
The Ol Kalou by-election is shaping up to be an early test of strength within the opposition alliance, as parties balance internal competition with efforts to project unity ahead of the 2027 General Election.
